Over 40 lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary party attended an online meeting on Friday. The gathering included Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Noor-ul-Haq Qadri. Party members clearly favoured dialogue with the Centre as the best way to resolve the current political deadlock.
Sources said the lawmakers want negotiations that can lead to the withdrawal of both governor’s rule and the state of emergency. They believe once these measures are lifted, PTI’s mandate in the province will be fully restored. Some members specifically proposed including Ali Amin Gandapur in the consultation process so that talks with the federal government move forward through mutual discussion.
Barrister Gohar informed the meeting that a majority of PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly also support talks with the Centre. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri stressed the need for patience and perseverance while backing dialogue as the only practical way forward.
PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai publicly supported the call for negotiations. He urged the federal government to reduce tensions and immediately withdraw governor’s rule and the emergency. “We are in favour of negotiations. The federal government should reduce tensions and remove governor’s rule and the emergency,” he said. On the suggestion to include Gandapur, Yousafzai noted there should be no objection if he is the parliamentary party’s choice. He described Gandapur as a long-time and loyal companion of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Members also supported the decision not to call workers onto the streets after the imposition of governor’s rule and the emergency. They felt that street protests could have led to incidents similar to those of 9 May. Yousafzai further clarified that PTI has no connection with any remarks made against state institutions. The meeting did not discuss the proposed electoral reforms committee or the PPP’s invitation to the opposition, as those matters are being handled at the federal level.
The overall mood of the parliamentary party remains focused on peaceful dialogue rather than confrontation.
