TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai has said that allowing meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan could help reduce political tensions, emphasising that those controlling access to the jailed leader hold the key to de-escalation.
Speaking at a brunch with a small group of senior journalists, Achakzai stressed the need to create an opportunity to engage with the imprisoned former prime minister and explore a resolution to the ongoing political deadlock.
He expressed concern that restrictions on meetings had only worsened tensions.
In an indirect message to the authorities, Achakzai, who also heads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, said that if access to Imran Khan were restored, he could potentially persuade him to engage constructively in dialogue and moderate his rhetoric, which he said had so far obstructed efforts to find a way forward.
Despite the informal setting, Achakzai remained vague when asked how he intended to create political space for PTI or build enough influence to secure a role in negotiations.
He also appeared reluctant to pursue direct talks with the establishment for concessions. Instead, he favoured broader political engagement and proposed the formation of a national government to ensure constitutional supremacy, rule of law, judicial independence, parliamentary authority and media freedom.
Acknowledging that the idea might not find universal support, he suggested that an 18-month national government comprising PTI, PML-N and PPP could help stabilise Pakistan’s democratic future.
Responding to a question about whether he had discussed the proposal with Nawaz Sharif, whom he described as a friend, Achakzai said their last interaction took place during a parliamentary session where he congratulated him on Maryam Nawaz becoming Chief Minister of Punjab.
He noted that there had been no contact since, adding that Nawaz Sharif, like others, remained constrained within the current political framework.
Senior journalist Mujeeb Ur Rehman Shami, who attended the gathering, commented that Nawaz Sharif should have invited Achakzai to his residence in recognition of his stature and presence in Lahore.
When asked whether he could ensure support from PTI leadership and Imran Khan’s sisters if he were granted access to the former premier, Achakzai said that restoring meetings would help resolve internal differences within the party.
In response to a question comparing the situation with the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s past approach of combining public pressure with backchannel engagement, Achakzai rejected the parallel.
He said it would be incorrect to assume he was in contact with influential quarters simply because others had done so previously, warning that short-term solutions could lead to long-term consequences.
He cautioned that sidelining the country’s most popular leader would harm national unity.
