Imran Khan Rejects Dialogue Appeal, Insists PTI Protest Movement Will Follow His Directives

Islamabad: A recent statement issued by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on the social media platform X has effectively rejected the call for negotiations made by opposition alliance leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. At the same time, PTI’s Secretary Information has clarified that Imran Khan’s instructions regarding the protest movement will be final and binding on the party.

On the other hand, close sources to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have stated that meaningful negotiations with PTI are not possible without an expression of remorse or apology over the events of May 9 and the alleged anti-military campaign carried out by Imran Khan and the party on social media.

When contacted on the matter, PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram said that since the policy regarding the protest movement has been issued directly by party leader Imran Khan, it will be implemented accordingly. He added that Mahmood Khan Achakzai is free to continue his political activities, including efforts for dialogue, but PTI leadership remains bound by Imran Khan’s latest directives.

According to Sheikh Waqas Akram, Imran Khan has instructed the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to prepare for a protest movement aimed at ensuring the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution.

It may be recalled that during a national conference of the opposition alliance held a day earlier, its chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai stated that the Constitution had been torn apart. At this critical juncture, he appealed to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to step forward and initiate dialogue to steer the country out of crisis.

However, on the same day, Imran Khan, in his statement on X, not only strongly criticized the field marshal but also directed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi to prepare for a protest movement.

Speaking to *The News*, PTI’s Secretary Information reiterated that the party would strictly adhere to Imran Khan’s policy line. He clarified that PTI’s final stance is aligned with Imran Khan’s instructions rather than Achakzai’s proposal for talks.

Meanwhile, when a senior source close to the Prime Minister was asked about the government’s response to Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s offer of dialogue, the source said that it was impossible to hold meaningful talks with PTI while ignoring the serious crimes of May 9 and the alleged anti-military campaign led by the party and its founder.

According to the source, the Shehbaz Sharif government maintains that negotiations cannot take place without an expression of regret or apology. The source added that attacks on military installations, mockery of martyrs, and a character-assassination campaign against the armed forces and their leadership make any dialogue unacceptable under the current circumstances.