ISLAMABAD: Government-PTI contacts fail to break deadlock as party keeps protest call amid heightened tensions
Recent contacts between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have failed to produce a breakthrough as the party maintains its call for a march on Islamabad on Sept 27, with a lack of trust between the two sides emerging as a major hurdle.
According to sources familiar with the contacts, discussions focused on the possibility of defusing tensions if PTI agreed to call off the planned protest and assured the government that it would avoid prolonged sit-ins, road blockades and confrontations with law-enforcement agencies.
Sources said the government had also discussed possible concessions concerning PTI founder Imran Khan and his family, including facilitating medical treatment, meetings and a possible transfer of Bushra Bibi to Bani Gala. Any such arrangements, however, were reportedly linked to assurances that the facilities would not be used for political activity.
No agreement has been reached so far, with both sides continuing to differ over the conditions attached to any political accommodation.
Meanwhile, PTI’s public position remains unchanged. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other party leaders have reiterated that the Sept 27 protest will go ahead, while the government has warned that the law will be enforced during any demonstration.
