Shehbaz Offers PTI Talks if Islamabad March Ends
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered fresh talks with Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, but only if the party first ends its long march and sit-ins as thousands of supporters continue moving towards Islamabad.
Shehbaz Sharif Sets Condition for PTI Talks
Sharif said the government was willing to resume dialogue once PTI abandoned its protest campaign.
He urged the party leadership to “come to your senses” and end long marches and sit-ins, arguing that negotiations could proceed only after the street mobilisation was called off.
The Prime Minister said previous talks involving government representatives from the PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party had failed after disagreements emerged over the terms under discussion.
Imran Khan Supporters Continue Islamabad March
PTI launched its long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 4, led by provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Thousands of supporters are participating in the mobilisation, with the principal demand centred on the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Khan has remained imprisoned since 2023 and faces multiple cases. He and his party maintain that the charges against him are politically motivated.
Pakistan Government Warns of Economic Damage
Sharif warned that prolonged protests could undermine Pakistan’s fragile economic recovery, including recent improvements in manufacturing, remittances and exports.
Authorities have heavily fortified Islamabad and blocked major routes with shipping containers as security forces prepare for the approaching protesters.
PTI has questioned the sincerity of the government’s dialogue offer and accused authorities of restricting access to Khan.
With both sides refusing to shift their immediate positions, Pakistan’s political standoff remains unresolved.
