Achakzai urges PTI to postpone its planned civil disobedience movement
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai has urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to postpone its planned civil disobedience movement, emphasizing the importance of negotiations to address the country’s pressing issues. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Achakzai highlighted that dialogue should determine a clear roadmap for the government’s resignation, suggesting elections could follow within four months if talks succeed.
Achakzai, who also leads the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), underscored that resolving disputes through dialogue is the preferred approach. He added, however, that if talks fail, launching a movement would remain the only option. He plans to visit Peshawar at PTI’s invitation to offer prayers for the martyrs of Kurram and PTI.
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PTI founder Imran Khan announced the civil disobedience movement from December 14, warning the government of its imminent launch if specific demands are not addressed. Among these demands are the judicial inquiry of the May 9, 2023, riots and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, along with the release of political prisoners. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khan reiterated the party’s stance, saying, “Enough is enough. It’s time to steer the country towards improvement.”
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasized that while the party remains open to negotiations, demands have been firmly presented. He criticized the government’s handling of the November protests, stating: “Globally, protests occur without shots being fired. Here, tear gas was used even before protesters assembled.”
Gohar highlighted PTI’s history of prioritizing dialogue, recalling past negotiation efforts that were interrupted prematurely. He noted that PTI’s five-member committee, comprising Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser, has been tasked to engage with the government. The committee aims to address two critical points: the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and the crackdown on November 26.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has labeled PTI’s civil disobedience movement an “enmity with Pakistan.” Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed PTI’s threats, challenging the party to stand firm on its announcement after previous failed attempts to “attack” the capital.
Despite PTI’s claims of having formed a negotiation committee, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah revealed on Friday that the government has not received any formal communication from PTI to initiate dialogue. Senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser also clarified that no talks are currently underway between the two sides, dismissing reports of a possible breakthrough.
In an attempt to defuse political tensions and foster reconciliation, both PTI and the government have reportedly agreed to use parliamentary forums for negotiation. However, the process remains uncertain as mutual mistrust persists.
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