The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to initiate contacts with the federal government after the latter's invitation for talks to resolve the prevailing political crisis in the country. The dialogue will take place after formal approval by PTI chairman Imran Khan for the same. The talks would encompass crucial issues such as the schedule for elections and electoral reforms, besides other matters. In this regard, the former ruling party would constitute its team, and the government would then form its team as well. The talks will initially be held behind closed doors, followed by a formal session between the two sides. If the informal talks don't see success, a formal session of talks won't be held either. The talks widely rely on a policy by both sides to maintain a calm political posture. Also read: Imran gives 6-day ultimatum to govt for announcing elections A high-profile federal government source revealed that the two sides had been engaged in establishing contacts even before the planned long march by the former ruling party, and a number of prominent political and other personalities were said to be playing a role in this regard. Due to these behind-the-scene talks, the two sides were able to defuse some of the political tension. They claimed that in view of the current situation in the country, the former premier changed his political strategy, postponed his plans of staging a sit-in and returned after issuing an ultimatum to the government. This positive 'signal' followed an invitation by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the PTI for talks. The sources further said that the contacts between the two sides may now intensify as the former premier's party has started considering the offer. After a formal start to the dialogue, the government may formally invite the PTI to make a return to the National Assembly. They added that the prominent political and other personalities in efforts to rebuild contacts between the two have advised them to maintain calm and resolve any differences through talks. The sources also said that the main focus of behind-the-scene talks is focused on finding a middle way regarding the schedule for elections. Also read: Imran’s election ultimatum just a ‘face-saving’ attempt: Maryam According to the sources in the former ruling party, the PTI could adopt another strategy of protest if there's further progress in the backdoor contacts. The federal government's sources maintain that an immediate schedule for the election can not be announced. They also say that if formal talks between the two sides begin, then the coalition parties may come up with a future political strategy. Political leaders from the two sides, while speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the doors for talks are never closed in politics. A PTI leader, however, denied that the protest had been ended due to backdoor contacts with the government. On the other hand, a political leader from the government's side denied that there had been any backdoor talks with the former ruling party. "It is Imran Khan's policy to not stage a sit-in; we cannot say anything about PTI's ultimatum," the political leader maintained.
from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/jLf2tdA
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