Backchannel Talks Pose No Threat to Shehbaz Sharif’s Government: Sources

IslamabadضAccording to informed sources, backchannel negotiations are not a threat to the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Those involved in these talks or aware of the behind-the-scenes events understand that the discussions are not focused on a change of government. Rather, the future of these talks hinges on the actions of Imran Khan and his party’s foreign chapters, along with their social media approach.

The purpose of these negotiations, as per well-placed sources, is to ensure political stability. On one hand, this would guarantee the continuity of the current system, while on the other, it would create space for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to regain political ground.

A private news outlet reported on Thursday about a backchannel meeting between PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s legal advisor Barrister Gohar Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and three key representatives of the ‘government.’ While the identities of these ‘key individuals’ were not disclosed, it was later revealed that Barrister Gohar had met with Army Chief General Asim Munir after visiting Imran Khan in jail.

Sources suggest that Imran Khan is quite pleased with the developments, but the continuity of these backchannel talks depends largely on the actions of Imran Khan, his social media presence, and PTI’s foreign supporters in the coming days.

It is believed that Barrister Gohar briefed Imran Khan about the meeting between Ali Amin Gandapur, himself, and the Army Chief, advising that the PTI and its leadership must demonstrate a commitment to de-escalating political tensions and reducing conflicts with institutions.

Many PTI leaders, who have faced numerous challenges over the past two years due to their confrontational politics with institutions, are now keen to move past the legal and judicial challenges they are facing, including FIRs and ongoing court cases.

Internally, PTI is also grappling with the party’s social media policy, which has been critical of Imran Khan and the military. However, these voices have been muted in recent times. Now, the focus shifts to Imran Khan’s decision on whether he wishes to continue with the confrontational stance or pursue a path of reconciliation.

All eyes are now on Imran Khan’s X account (formerly Twitter) and PTI’s social media strategy. A senior PTI leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed hope that Imran Khan would choose to avoid further confrontations with military institutions for the future of PTI.