The political deadlock in Pakistan took a fresh turn on Saturday as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced its readiness for talks with the federal government — but made it clear that any such engagement must follow certain conditions.
PTI’s senior leader Omar Ayub, while speaking outside the Islamabad High Court, said his party was not against dialogue, but would not sit across the table “for the sake of optics.”
“We are not running away from talks, but there must be some ground realities accepted first,” Ayub told reporters. “Political prisoners must be released, and harassment of our workers must end.”
He added that the PTI leadership had no faith in talks if state machinery continued its “revenge tactics.” According to him, unless trust is rebuilt through action — not just words — any engagement will be meaningless.
Ayub also mentioned that PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, who remains behind bars, has been briefed on the possible dialogue and supports it — provided the government shows seriousness.
In recent weeks, political analysts and civil society groups have repeatedly urged both sides to return to the table, citing growing economic challenges and political instability.
A source close to the Prime Minister’s Office told this reporter that while the government has no objection to talks, it wants “clear intent” from PTI first. “We’ve seen too many U-turns. Let’s see if they’re serious this time,” the source said, requesting anonymity.
In the backdrop is a political scene riddled with arrests, court cases, and accusations of misuse of authority. Several PTI leaders are either facing legal action or are in hiding. Some have reportedly distanced themselves from the party, fearing further backlash.
The government has yet to offer official comments. Nevertheless, there appears to be some varying views among the ruling coalition in how to react. Some would rather engage in a way that may ease tensions; others prefer to consider a more cautious approach, especially following the events on May 9 of last year.
“This is a chance to lower the temperature,” said a senior journalist covering parliament. “But if both sides cling to their narratives, the standoff will only deepen.”
As of now, there’s no clarity on when or how the talks might begin — or even if they’ll happen at all. But one thing is clear: PTI is signaling willingness, though on its own terms.
