Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 26, 2026
The True Post (Web News) —Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made its first contact with the federal government following the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising the possibility that negotiations between the two sides could resume.
According to party sources, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur contacted federal ministers as part of efforts to reopen communication with the government. Gandapur reportedly acted under the instructions of PTI’s parliamentary committee, which had authorised him to negotiate with the federal government.
The initial contact is being viewed as a potentially important development amid political tensions following the imposition of governor’s rule in the province. However, details of the discussions and the prospects for formal negotiations remain unclear.
Gandapur Authorised to Negotiate With Federal Government
PTI sources said Gandapur was authorised to hold negotiations with the federal government during a parliamentary party meeting held on October 20.
At that meeting, party members reportedly assigned him responsibility for engaging with the federal government on behalf of PTI.
According to party sources, Gandapur contacted two key federal ministers who were part of the government’s negotiating team before governor’s rule was imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The reported communication marks the first such contact between the two sides since the political situation in the province changed.
However, neither the specific issues discussed during the conversation nor any agreements concerning the next stage of negotiations have been disclosed.
It also remains uncertain whether the contact was intended solely to reopen communication or whether the two sides discussed a possible framework for formal talks.
Restoration of Sohail Afridi’s Government Among PTI’s Priorities
According to party sources, PTI intends to prioritise the restoration of Sohail Afridi’s government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the release of arrested party workers during any negotiations with the federal government.
The party reportedly wants these issues to form a central part of discussions with the government.
The restoration of the provincial government is likely to be a major point of contention, given that governor’s rule has become a central issue in the province’s political dispute.
The release of detained party workers is another priority identified by PTI sources. The party is seeking progress on these matters as it considers the possibility of renewed engagement with the federal government.
It remains unclear how the government would respond to these demands or whether it would agree to discuss them as part of a broader political settlement.
Contacts Had Broken Down After October 11
According to the report, communication between PTI and the federal government had broken down following the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11.
The latest contact by Gandapur is therefore being viewed as a possible step towards restoring dialogue after a period of political disengagement.
The development could create an opening for renewed negotiations, particularly if both sides are willing to address the issues that have contributed to the current standoff.
Nevertheless, an initial exchange does not necessarily mean that formal talks have been agreed upon or that either side is prepared to compromise on its principal demands.
Formal Negotiations and Government’s Response Remain Uncertain
Despite the reported contact, several key questions remain unanswered.
It is not yet clear when formal negotiations might begin, whether the federal government will agree to discuss PTI’s demands, or what position it will take on the restoration of the provincial government.
Further details are also awaited regarding the issues raised during Gandapur’s conversation with the two federal ministers.
For now, the reported communication represents a possible opening for renewed political engagement between PTI and the federal government. Whether it develops into a structured negotiation process will depend on subsequent contacts and the willingness of both sides to engage on the disputed issues.
