ISLAMABAD: Tehreek-e-Tahffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), an opposition alliance, on Wednesday indicated its willingness to engage in talks with the government, stating it would take responsibility for facilitating a new agreement with imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan. In a tense and closely watched meeting, the alliance, led by the Mahmood Khan Achakzai, deliberated on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation for dialogue with opposition parties. Sources privy to the meeting told Business Recorder that the meeting was charged with discussions on critical issues, including the demand for free and fair elections, the urgent appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), and the removal of the current CEC, Sikander Sultan Raja, who has become a target of fierce opposition criticism. The TTAP leadership made it clear that a new political framework was essential to steer the country out of its deepening political and economic crises. Achakzai, in particular, took a hard stance, reiterating the necessity of restoring the 1973 Constitution to provide the political stability the country so desperately needs. Sources close to the alliance hinted at growing confidence among TTAP leaders, especially Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who have pledged to take personal responsibility for ensuring Imran Khan’s signature on the new agreement. This bold move comes in the wake of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s renewed call for talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has repeatedly rejected any dialogue. On Tuesday, PTI launched a blistering attack on the government’s offer, labelling it a “deceptive tactic” and declaring the ruling coalition of seizing power through a “stolen mandate.” PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram was unequivocal, declaring that the party would not sit at the table with a government it considers “untrustworthy and illegitimate.” Copyright Business Recorder, 2025