Proposal for ‘grand dialogue’ emerges to revitalise PTI’s prospects

ISLAMABAD:  In a noteworthy development almost a week after President Arif Alvi’s call to end bitterness for the sake of democracy, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has put forth a proposal for a ‘Grand National Reconciliation Dialogue’ involving all stakeholders.

According to Dawn.com, on Tuesday, PTI leaders Raoof Hassan and Barrister Umair separately held discussions with President Alvi and the caretaker information minister.

Speculations arose in the media following the meeting between PTI leaders and the president, with reports suggesting that a message from the PTI Chief was conveyed. However, Hassan denied transmitting any such message during the meeting.

نگران حکومت کا پاکستان تحریک انصاف کی قیادت سے رابطہ

نگران وزیرِاطلاعات مرتضیٰ سولنگی کی خواہش پر سینئر مرکزی رہنما پاکستان تحریک انصاف شفقت محمود کی اپنی رہائشگاہ پر ان سے ملاقات

ملک میں صاف شفاف انتخابات کے انعقاد، سیاسی جماعتوں کیلئے انتخابات میں شرکت کے مساوی مواقع کے…

— PTI (@PTIofficial) October 17, 2023

Meanwhile, President Alvi, who has previously made efforts to mend ties between the establishment and the PTI Chief, had a two-line statement released from the President’s House regarding the meeting, as reported by Dawn.

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However, the PTI information secretary has described the meeting as “normal” and “routine,” emphasising discussions focused on the current political situation and national issues.

In a separate development in Lahore, PTI leader Shafqat Mahmood and caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi met, where Mahmood proposed the ‘Grand National Reconciliation Dialogue.’

Details of the meeting were kept private, with Mahmood stressing the necessity of the dialogue involving stakeholders such as the military, judiciary, and media.

“This dialogue is a must ahead of the upcoming polls to move forward in the right direction. Let’s sit together and set a target for the next 10 years. Solangi has agreed to the proposal,” Mahmood stated, adding that the caretaker minister stressed the responsibility of ensuring fair polls and agreed to take steps allowing the party to resume political activities.

Addressing the question of elections taking place without the PTI Chief, Mahmood stated, “Free and fair elections cannot be held without Imran Khan’s participation.”

In response, Solangi described the meeting as a casual gathering of old friends, stating, “I was not on any mission.”

Reports indicate that Solangi refrained from commenting on any reconciliation move by the PTI, stating that the meeting was private and discussions would remain undisclosed.