Negotiations between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and government representatives failed on Monday as the central convoy of Imran Khan’s party, with the incarcerated former prime minister at its helm, entered Islamabad amid roadblocks and police shelling.
For the past two days, the government has enforced a strict security lockdown to block the protesters from reaching the capital, as Khan called for a sit-in demonstration at the parliament to demand his release. Authorities have barricaded highways into Islamabad with shipping containers and deployed riot police and paramilitary forces throughout the city. Additionally, all public transport between cities and terminals in Punjab has been halted to prevent PTI supporters from reaching Islamabad.
Islamabad Bureau Chief Tariq Chaudhry, the government has told PTI leaders to remain in Islamabad for two to three days to make speeches before leaving. Tariq Chaudhry shared that there is a strong possibility that Imran Khan may be granted bail in a Lahore case as early as Tuesday. Khan’s five-day remand in a case dating back to September 28 is set to expire on November 26, and there are expectations that the magistrate may not extend it. If this happens, Khan could secure bail in another significant case within the next few days, which would increase his chances of release. The government has indicated it is waiting for the courts to resolve the matter.
The government delegation involved in the negotiations included SAFRON Minister Amir Muqam, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah. PTI representatives, including Asad Qaiser, Shibli Faraz, and party chairman Gohar Ali Khan, participated in the discussions. These talks were held at the Minister’s Enclave, and a final announcement was expected soon.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had been scheduled to address the media at D-Chowk, cancelled his appearance to join the negotiations with PTI. Sources revealed that the designated protest site would likely be Peshawar Mor, and the government agreed not to place obstacles in the path of demonstrators once the protest point was declared. However, protesters would be prohibited from advancing beyond Peshawar Mor towards the Red Zone.
Amid ongoing discussions, both the government and PTI are working to finalize the terms for the protests. Earlier, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Adviser Muhammad Ali Saif met with Imran Khan, and Khan’s call for a protest was reaffirmed. Gohar Ali Khan stated that there was no question of withdrawing the protest call, adding that the negotiations were ongoing and that more information would be shared in due course.