Backchannel contacts between govt, PTI being reactivated

ISLAMABAD: Backchannel contacts between the government and PTI are being again activated for a meaningful dialogue between them.

An informed source hoped that these contacts could be established soon and could produce some positive results. These contacts are different from what is being discussed in public in relation to a seven-member committee constituted by Imran Khan for dialogue with the government and political parties.

These backchannel contacts are the same that were involved in behind-the-scenes informal discussions last month to avert PTI’s November 24 protest march to D-Chowk. Imran Khan knew about the government’s men his party leaders were talking to but avoided disclosing their names when asked by media persons.

Initially, Imran Khan wanted his immediate release to call off the protest march. The government side didn’t agree to it.

Later, as a consequence of these background contacts, the PTI and government had reached an understanding on holding PTI’s sit-in at Sangjani, on the outskirts of Islamabad.

For the same reason, KP Chief Minister Ali Ameen Gandapur and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan were facilitated to meet the jailed PTI founder chairman.

However, despite Imran Khan’s reported direction to stop the protest march at Sangjani, Bushra Bibi led the marchers to D-Chowk.

While the PTI leaders raised questions why Imran Khan’s direction about Sangjani was ignored, many in the government believe that Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan were actually on the same page.

Now the last month PTI contacts are being reactivated, which are considered important by the source.