Talks or protest: Imran Khan empowers Achakzai, Raja Nasir to take decision

JAMRUD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said on Thursday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has delegated all key decision-making powers, including whether to enter negotiations with the government or launch a protest movement, to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

Talking to the media during a visit to Jamrud, he said Imran Khan has entrusted the two senior leaders with the responsibility of determining PTI’s political strategy, which includes both talks and potential street mobilisation.

His statement came a day after the opposition-led Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan had expressed its willingness to hold talks with the government and announced that it is ready to take responsibility for getting a new charter signed by Imran Khan.

Sohail Afridi said that future political moves by the party would be shaped in consultation with these leaders and that the PTI would stand by the decisions taken by the leadership of the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan (TTAP).

The chief minister also noted that preparations for a street movement had already begun and that party workers were active in organising the campaign.

Opposition alliance signals readiness for dialogue

The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan, a political alliance comprising several parties and led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, earlier said it was prepared to negotiate with the government on key national issues, including transparent elections, the appointment of a new chief election commissioner, parliamentary supremacy, respect for the rule of law and human rights.

The alliance also declared its recently held national conference a success and decided to observe February 8 as a “black day” both inside and outside the country. It said that sub-committees at provincial and district levels are expected to be formed to implement the plans.

The talks proposal follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s conditional offer to engage with the opposition, with both sides signalling a possible rapprochement amid rising political tensions.

The activities of the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan reflect ongoing efforts by opposition parties to consolidate a united front around issues such as constitutional governance, electoral reforms and protection of democratic norms.

The alliance has also been active in organising conferences and rallies, including earlier announcements of all-parties conferences in Karachi and Hyderabad to mobilise public support.

While TTAP shows signs of readiness to engage in dialogue, some PTI leaders have taken a more cautious stance.

Recent reports indicated that PTI’s central leadership, at times, signalled refusal to enter talks directly with the government, emphasising instead negotiations through designated representatives.