Islamabad (The COW News Digital) More than half a dozen backchannel meetings between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and government and security officials over the past four to five weeks have failed to resolve the deadlock surrounding the party’s proposed march toward Islamabad, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Sources told The News that one of the key issues during the contacts was whether PTI would merely postpone its planned mobilisation or cancel it altogether. According to the sources, government and security officials conveyed that political space could potentially be created for the party, but protests involving violence, road blockades and march-based confrontation would not be acceptable.
The discussions reportedly focused on finding a mutually workable arrangement that could prevent confrontation surrounding PTI’s planned mobilisation. Sources said the party was told that political engagement and facilitation on certain matters could remain possible if PTI moved away from confrontation.
However, the distinction between postponing and cancelling the march emerged as a major obstacle. Sources said the government side wanted PTI to cancel the march completely, arguing that simply changing its date would not eliminate security concerns associated with a large mobilisation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa toward Islamabad.
According to the sources, officials were particularly concerned about the possibility of thousands of participants travelling toward the capital and gathering at different points along the route. They reportedly maintained that even a relatively smaller gathering could quickly create a volatile situation if an untoward incident occurred.
The government has publicly maintained a firm position against road blockades and disruption of routine activities. Security arrangements were also intensified ahead of PTI’s originally announced September 27 mobilisation.
Sources further claimed that Mahmood Khan Achakzai was contacted regarding the possibility of cancelling the march. According to details shared with the publication, Achakzai indicated that cancellation could potentially be considered if arrangements were made for him to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in jail.
The proposal, however, was reportedly not accepted. Sources said the response from the other side was that PTI should first cancel the march, after which matters concerning a meeting with Imran Khan, access to lawyers and medical treatment could be facilitated under the applicable procedures.
The backchannel contacts subsequently continued, but the question of securing a clear cancellation of the march remained unresolved.
Sources also said the political environment became more difficult following several statements by PTI leaders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Some statements were reportedly viewed by the government and security authorities as confrontational, contributing to a harder stance.
According to the sources, PTI was subsequently warned that any march would be dealt with firmly. This reportedly triggered an internal discussion within the party about alternative strategies, including slowing down the mobilisation or bringing supporters toward Islamabad gradually instead of organising one large movement.
That option also reportedly failed to satisfy the other side, which maintained that there should be no march toward Islamabad or prolonged gatherings capable of resulting in road closures and confrontation.
Sources said another significant issue discussed during the backchannel contacts concerned the political timeline following any potential march. PTI was reportedly told that if it proceeded with the mobilisation, subsequent developments would not necessarily follow the timeline preferred by the party.
The sources also said no commitment was made regarding Imran Khan’s release. Discussions about possible facilitation reportedly remained limited to matters such as access to lawyers, meetings with him and medical treatment.
