In a direct appeal to all political stakeholders, veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai has called for a national dialogue to address Pakistan’s deepening political crisis—emphasizing reconciliation over retaliation.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader and head of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) stressed that Pakistan’s challenges—from political instability to institutional paralysis—can only be resolved through inclusive talks among all parties.

“Dialogue is still the only viable path forward,” said Achakzai, adding that political grudges must be set aside for the greater good.

Calls for Accountability and Compassion

Achakzai didn’t shy away from demanding mutual accountability, stating that all political actors should “apologize for past mistakes” to move the country toward a more stable and democratic future.

He also criticized the treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated in Adiala Jail on multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism-related offenses. Achakzai questioned the prison authorities’ refusal to allow Khan’s sisters to meet him, despite court orders permitting such visits.

“What harm is there in allowing his sisters to see him?” he asked, calling the restrictions both unnecessary and unjust.

In a show of solidarity with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Achakzai advised PTI lawmakers to continue voicing their protest within the assemblies until basic rights, like family visitation, are respected.

“There must be no politics of revenge under any circumstances,” he warned.

Protests Intensify on Khan’s Incarceration Anniversary

Achakzai’s comments come as PTI marks the second anniversary of Imran Khan’s imprisonment with nationwide demonstrations. The party claims that at least 300 supporters were rounded up in overnight police raids across Lahore. Among those detained were seven sitting members of the Punjab Assembly—though they were released later in the day.

Punjab Police confirmed the release of key opposition lawmakers, including Moeen Riaz Qureshi and several others, while PTI’s media cell verified that Rehana Dar was also freed after being detained outside Aiwan-e-Adal.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan, through a message posted on PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, called on his supporters to continue holding peaceful protests until, in his words, “true democracy” is restored.

PTI Demands Real Dialogue, Not Symbolism

The push for dialogue is not new, but it has largely remained stuck at the level of public statements. In June, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz responded to overtures from the government by urging them to “go beyond optics” and engage in sincere negotiations.

This came after Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah reiterated that the government was open to talks, claiming that PM Shehbaz Sharif had even offered to meet opposition members in the Speaker’s chamber to ease tensions.

Yet Faraz remained skeptical, saying that symbolic gestures wouldn’t be enough.

“Real dialogue can’t happen through press conferences. The government must sit down directly with our leadership,” Faraz said, referring to PTI Chairman and the party’s Secretary General.

He warned that using talks to create a false sense of normalcy would only deepen distrust.

A Narrow Window for Political Reconciliation

Despite the noise on both sides, PM Shehbaz Sharif has made repeated public invitations for political dialogue, especially during times of national urgency. Notably, during a recent spike in tensions with India, the premier reached out to PTI’s Barrister Gohar, signaling a willingness to include the opposition in matters of national importance.

Whether this evolving rhetoric turns into meaningful engagement remains to be seen—but voices like Achakzai’s underscore a growing consensus: Pakistan’s political future depends not on who wins the next fight, but on whether leaders can find the courage to talk.