ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seeking to resume reconciliation talks after the PTI withdrew from discussions earlier this week. The talks' revival aims at forming a parliamentary committee to investigate the controversial results of the February 8, 2024 general elections.
The elections held earlier this month were marked by widespread complaints, including the suspension of mobile Internet services and unusually delayed announcement of results. These polls resulted in a hung National Assembly, igniting weeks of protests from opposition parties claiming rampant rigging and vote-count fraud.
Following the elections, Khan has urged his supporters to observe February 8 as a “Black Day” and to mobilize nationwide protests against alleged electoral fraud. This public outcry has intensified as tensions between Khan's PTI and Sharif's government escalate.
According to the government, the PTI is responsible for the breakdown of dialogue, accusing them of walking away unilaterally before discussions even took place. Conversely, the PTI argues the talks were sabotaged due to the government’s failure to release political prisoners and to establish judicial commissions to probe the violence from protests on May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.
“I am absolutely ready... with pure intentions, for this dialogue to move forward,” said Prime Minister Sharif during cabinet meeting remarks broadcasted on television. He emphasized the need for PTI to participate again, stating, “We are ready for a House committee.”
Reconciliation discussions, which commenced last month, have reportedly seen three rounds of negotiations so far. Khan’s party had required action from the government, demanding the establishment of truth commissions by January 23, which was not fulfilled, leading to PTI’s withdrawal from the talks.
Sharif has proposed to make all relevant facts about the elections public, advocating for the completion of investigations by Khan’s formed committee on the 2018 elections, and creating new committees for the recent polls. “Similarly, if you talk about the November 26 protest, we should also form committees to probe the 2014 and November 26 protests,” he added.
The political turmoil has been exacerbated since Khan's ouster from his position through a parliamentary no-confidence vote back in 2022. This has plunged the nation for years and has resulted in Khan’s imprisonment on various charges, which he decries as politically motivated.
Khan was first arrested amid public unrest last May, where protests erupted comprehensively across the country, leading to violent confrontations with military establishments. Despite being temporarily released after days, he faced subsequent incarceration following conviction on corruption charges.
His supporters have continuously mobilized for his release, often clashing with authorities during their demonstrations as they press their calls for justice amid political strife.
With rising unrest and polarized political factions, the future of these reconciliation talks remains uncertain as both parties engage with increasing pressure from their respective bases.