ISLAMABAD: Political tensions between the government and opposition remain unresolved ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march scheduled for October 4, with talks failing to make significant progress.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai to the Prime Minister’s House for a meeting aimed at discussing the deteriorating situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and exploring possible ways to ease the political and security tensions.

However, Achakzai declined the invitation to meet at the Prime Minister’s House.

Why Did Achakzai Refuse the Meeting?

In his statement, Mahmood Khan Achakzai questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s legitimacy and said he was willing to meet the prime minister at any other location.

Achakzai said he could meet Shehbaz Sharif anywhere in the country, even “under a tree,” and would also be willing to meet at the prime minister’s residence or the residence of any of his colleagues.

However, he said he would not meet the prime minister at the Prime Minister’s House or in his official chamber.

The decision has added to the uncertainty surrounding efforts to establish direct political dialogue between the government and opposition ahead of the October 4 PTI march.

Barrister Gohar’s Meeting With Ayaz Sadiq Also Fails to Break Deadlock

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has also met National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the prevailing political situation and the October 4 long march.

The meeting, however, did not result in any apparent breakthrough. Barrister Gohar did not indicate any willingness to call off or postpone the planned march and maintained that the party’s announced programme would continue.

Prime Minister Briefed on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Situation

Separately, a high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s House on Thursday morning, during which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on the law-and-order situation and the border situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to sources, the prime minister expressed concern over the situation and reviewed security and administrative matters with the relevant authorities.

Governor’s Rule or Emergency in KP Under Discussion

Sources have indicated that the federal government may consider important measures in response to the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Reports have suggested that options including the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in the province could be discussed. However, no final decision or official announcement regarding either measure has been made so far.