ISLAMABAD: Backchannel contacts between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and authorities have failed to produce a breakthrough over the party’s planned September 27 march towards Islamabad, sources familiar with the discussions said.
The contacts focused on possible steps to ease tensions if PTI called off the mobilisation. The proposed understanding also included an assurance that the party would avoid prolonged sit-ins, road blockades and direct confrontations with law-enforcement agencies.
According to the sources, the authorities indicated that such an understanding could open the way for certain concessions concerning PTI founder Imran Khan and his family.
These concessions reportedly included consideration of shifting Bushra Bibi to Bani Gala, arranging Khan’s transfer to a hospital for medical treatment and facilitating meetings with him.
The sources said authorities could facilitate meetings with Khan under applicable rules. However, they would not accept political mobilisation or political activity from inside prison.
The discussions failed to produce an agreement, with a lack of trust between the two sides emerging as a major obstacle, according to the sources.
PTI Mobilisation Expected to Focus on KP
The latest discussions have also highlighted the expected role of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the September 27 mobilisation.
According to PTI sources, the party expects its main mobilisation to come from KP. Workers in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan have generally been asked to hold protests in their respective areas because of greater administrative restrictions in those provinces.
PTI workers in parts of Punjab bordering KP have been told they can coordinate their mobilisation with the KP campaign.
The sources said the party had not issued any specific direction for its Islamabad organisation to independently bring out a large procession from within the federal capital.
The main thrust of the march is expected to come from KP. The precise movement towards Islamabad will depend on the situation on the ground.
Publicly, however, PTI leaders continue to maintain that the September 27 programme will proceed.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reaffirmed the party’s plan on September 21. Afridi said the party would proceed despite government warnings and roadblocks.
Afridi has previously said the September 27 date would not change unless the party achieved tangible progress through dialogue.
Government Warns of Law Enforcement
The government has warned that it will enforce the law during the planned protest.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased security preparations in Islamabad ahead of the march. Police contingents from Punjab and Sindh are being sent to the capital to assist local authorities.
The Islamabad High Court has also taken up a petition challenging the PTI’s planned nationwide protests and September 27 march. The court issued notices to the attorney general, provincial police chiefs and other officials.
The PTI has described the march as part of its campaign for the release of Imran Khan and to press its other political demands. The party has continued to call for political and legal avenues alongside its planned protest.
