ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday indicated its willingness to engage in dialogue with the government to address ongoing political tensions, but linked the talks to the release of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan from prison.
The development marks a shift in the party’s stance, as PTI leaders and Imran Khan had previously ruled out negotiations with the ruling coalition, frequently criticising the government in public gatherings and statements.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, PTI MNA Ali Muhammad Khan said the party was prepared for talks if an environment conducive to political reconciliation was created.
He stated that meaningful dialogue could move forward if Imran Khan was freed and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif also participated in the process.
Ali Muhammad Khan further revealed that Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai had confirmed receiving an invitation for talks from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the PTI lawmaker, he encouraged Achakzai to engage in negotiations, assuring him that the party would support efforts aimed at achieving political stability and resolving national issues. He added that successful dialogue could potentially pave the way for the release of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
Ali Muhammad Khan also highlighted past instances where the opposition had stood alongside the government on matters of national importance. Referring to the May 2025 tensions with India, he said PTI had shown solidarity with the government during the conflict.
He also noted that both treasury and opposition benches jointly welcomed a visiting Chinese delegation in the National Assembly during celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Although PTI lawmakers had earlier announced a boycott of the National Assembly proceedings in protest against Imran Khan’s imprisonment, opposition members later attended the session during the visit of the Chinese delegation led by Cai Dafeng. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong was also part of the delegation.
On the occasion, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq described the event as a significant milestone celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
After the delegation’s departure, opposition members also left the assembly session.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously renewed his invitation for talks with the opposition in December 2025, while stressing that negotiations should focus on legitimate political matters.
However, PTI had maintained that no meaningful dialogue could take place unless the party was provided a “level-playing field,” which it sought to achieve through its anti-government protest movement.
