PKMAP Leader Questions Legitimacy of Government-PTI Negotiations
In a recent press interaction, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), cast doubt on the legitimacy of the ongoing negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Despite being allied with PTI, Achakzai openly questioned the value of engaging in talks with a government that he believes lacks a legitimate mandate.
Achakzai’s Skepticism and Criticism
During a meeting with Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas in Islamabad, Achakzai expressed his skepticism, asking, “What is the point of negotiating with a government that does not have a legitimate mandate?” His comments came shortly after the second round of talks between PTI and the government, which were reportedly conducted in a cordial atmosphere, as confirmed by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
While Achakzai conveyed his support for the success of the negotiations, he cynically remarked that “prayers are not accepted” in such cases. He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alleging that he had contemplated becoming the prime minister during Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s presidency but was dissuaded by Nawaz Sharif, who eventually “backed down” himself.
Skepticism from Other Leaders
Adding to the skepticism surrounding the negotiations, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi shared his doubts in Peshawar. While acknowledging that negotiations were crucial for resolving Pakistan’s longstanding issues, Kundi expressed uncertainty about PTI receiving a deal similar to the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
During the negotiations, PTI’s representatives emphasized the need for regular meetings with the party’s founder, Imran Khan, to finalize their “charter of demands.” These demands include the release of political detainees and a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9, 2023, and the November 26 crackdown. However, PTI has yet to officially submit these demands in writing to the government committee.
Conclusion
As the dialogue between the government and PTI continues amidst skepticism and criticism from key political figures, the future of these negotiations remains uncertain. The concerns raised by leaders like Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Faisal Karim Kundi highlight the complexities and challenges surrounding the quest for a meaningful resolution to Pakistan’s political issues. Will the parties find common ground, or will the negotiations hit an impasse? Only time will tell.
