Dhaka, May 15 (V7N) — Imran Khan, the jailed leader of Pakistan’s main opposition party Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister, has accepted the offer of dialogue extended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, according to AFP citing local media reports on Thursday (May 15).

The offer came amidst recent tensions with neighboring India, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif calling for national dialogue to ease the conflict. On May 12, PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar Ali Khan met with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister agreed to move forward with talks.

However, Imran Khan insisted that these discussions be conducted behind closed doors, away from media coverage, to ensure meaningful progress. PTI leaders emphasized that previous talks failed largely due to excessive public exposure, and this time they want a more discreet approach.

Following Imran’s consent, the PTI has announced plans to formally initiate contact with the government to arrange the dialogue. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif reiterated his call for PTI’s participation in a national dialogue during a recent speech to the National Assembly.

Barrister Gauhar welcomed the prime minister’s proposal but stressed that no discussions would proceed without Imran Khan’s approval. The outcome of this secret dialogue could be a significant step in easing political tensions within Pakistan.

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