by On July 14, 2025, KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur publicly reaffirmed an offer to negotiate directly with Pakistan’s “real power” holders, naming state institutions and the establishment alongside traditional political players as essential dialogue partners. Framing it as a movement to restore democracy and secure PTI founder Imran Khan’s release, Gandapur placed the onus on the “beneficiaries of the system” to engage meaningfully or face consequences.
The Stakes: Democracy, Crackdown & a 90-Day Push
Gandapur positioned this initiative within a 90-day nationwide campaign culminating on August 5, emphasizing the initiative as more than political theater—it’s a constitutional fight. He decried a “fascist crackdown” since May 9, 2023, characterizing the legal actions against Khan as baseless and a violation of fundamental rights. State institutions, he alleged, have overstepped and inadvertently fueled public awakening—citing the February 8 protests as evidence. Gandapur Renews
Challenging the Political Mainstream
Predictably, Gandapur’s stance triggered swift resistance from rival politicians:
- PML-N’s Amir Muqam dismissed the campaign as theatrics, asserting Gandapur lacks “real authority” and that the strategy was doomed from the outset.
- Punjab’s Info Minister Azma Bukhari insisted dialogue must occur strictly among political leaders—not with unelected institutions.
- Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry suggested reinstating an earlier dialogue framework headlined by the National Assembly speaker, excluding direct mediation by the military or intelligence agencies.
Gandapur’s Threat and National Repercussions
Gandapur didn’t mince words—he warned that failure to engage in earnest dialogue would result in accountability “not just for PTI, but every actor proven guilty”.
He even escalated the stakes by daring JUI-F’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman to contest a by-election in Dera Ismail Khan, pledging to quit politics if he lost—an indication of the confidence (or provocation) fueling PTI’s campaign .
The Bigger Picture: Political Crisis & Institutional Rapport
Gandapur’s latest outreach is part of a broader pattern. PTI strategists, including Gandapur, Saif Ul Malook, and Barrister Saif, have been quietly conducting backdoor engagements with the military and intelligence community since early 2025. Gandapur has repeatedly stressed Imran Khan’s willingness to negotiate—“for the sake of Pakistan”—and framed it as a patriotic necessity, not a quest for power.
Why It Matters
- PTI’s Shift: Gandapur’s consistent emphasis on institutional dialogue signals a strategic pivot—PTI is seeking influence not through elections, but through negotiation at the corridors of power.
- Democratic Fragility: By calling out institutions alongside elected figures, Gandapur is spotlighting the blurred lines between democratic governance and entrenched power centres.
- National Stability: The 90-day mass mobilization—if it succeeds—could unsettle governance, but if it falters, could legitimize crackdowns and deepen polarization.
Looking Ahead
- Will the federal government relent and engage?
- Will public sentiment swell for protests, or will state constraints keep PTI confined to rhetoric?
- Most critically, will the real power holders respond—or disregard—Gandapur’s ultimatum?
The coming weeks are pivotal. If Gandapur’s warning signals a meaningful shift toward inclusive dialogue, it may ease democratic tensions. If ignored, Pakistan may face escalating unrest—and the PTI’s fight for Khan’s release risks turning into a full-blown constitutional crisis.
