SWAT: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Monday said there was still time for the federal government to revive dialogue with the opposition provided its representatives were allowed to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in the jail.

Speaking to journalists in Mingora, Mr Gohar said the PTI was still willing to hold negotiations with the government and resolve political differences through dialogue.

“There is still time for the government. If a meeting with Imran Khan is held tomorrow, negotiations can still take place,” he said.

The PTI leader blamed the federal government’s attitude for the deadlock in the dialogue, alleging that the government didn’t demonstrate flexibility during negotiations.

He also rejected any connection between the deadlock in talks and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying the provincial government had no role in creating the impasse between the PTI and the federal government.

Mr Gohar said the PTI-led provincial government was making efforts to eliminate terrorism from the province and provide security to its people.

He criticised the federal government for its “failure” to play an effective role in combating terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“The federal government is not playing any role in eliminating terrorism from the province,” he said.

The PTI chairman questioned the implementation of the federal government’s announced financial assistance for the province.

He said the federal government had announced Rs10 billion for efforts related to counterterrorism and security, but the province had yet to receive the promised funds.

“Not even Rs10 out of the announced Rs10 billion has been received,” he claimed.

He said that the PTI was prepared for political dialogue but said meaningful negotiations required the federal government to show flexibility and address the party’s concerns.

The PTI chairman came to Swat as part of his party’s political activities in the province. During interaction with the media, he also highlighted the security situation in the province.

Meanwhile, traders and representatives of various organisations from all 10 districts of Malakand Division will block the Swat Motorway to traffic on Tuesday (Oct 7) to protest the imposition of taxes in the region.

According to the Malakand Division Traders Federation, the motorway will be blocked at Chakdara by placing shipping containers. However, the organisers have not announced how long the motorway will remain closed.

The sources said protest rallies from all districts of Malakand Division would reach the Chakdara interchange by 10am, where the participants would stage a demonstration against the government’s decision to impose taxes in the division.

The protest is part of growing opposition among traders and other sections of society to the proposed tax measures in Malakand Division.

The business community has been demanding the withdrawal of taxes, arguing that the region has historically enjoyed tax exemptions. The traders warned there would be more street protests if their demands were not met by the government.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2026