ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, leader of the Awami Muslim League and former federal minister dismissed the potential success of negotiations between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government, describing the talks as “futile.”
Speaking to reporters outside an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, Rashid said, “It’s a positive step that PTI has formed a committee for negotiations with the government, but these talks will lead nowhere”. He added, “It’s like one grave and two people – only one will go in.”
Rashid acknowledged the importance of dialogue but warned of chaos if the talks fail. “Negotiations are crucial. Even after wars, the world eventually resorts to talks. But if these negotiations collapse, we’ll witness judo karate and Bangkok-style flames,” he said.
He also referred to November 26 as a day of “horror and oppression,” emphasizing it deserved universal condemnation. “Political instability persists. I’ve been predicting this chaos will continue until December 30. A bloody November 26 has already passed,” Rashid said.
Loyalty to PTI and Imran Khan
Rashid spoke about his recent meeting with PTI chairman Imran Khan, stating, “We had a detailed discussion, and he told me, ‘You and I are one. Our one and one doesn’t make two; it makes eleven. Eleven symbolizes improvement.’”
He reiterated his allegiance to Khan, saying, “I fully support negotiations and always will, but my loyalty lies with one person only – Imran Khan. I don’t recognize anyone else.”
On Saudi Visit and Inflation
Commenting on his visit to Saudi Arabia, Rashid shared, “Everyone I met there prayed for Pakistan’s safety. The message was clear: Pakistan must be protected at all costs.”
He also criticized the government for failing to address public concerns, particularly inflation. “The nation is being crushed under the burden of inflation, while the leadership seems more interested in foreign trips. Even a small ceremony invitation is enough to send the Prime Minister packing his bags,” he said, criticizing the government’s priorities.
Clarification on November 24 Protests
Rashid reiterated his support for Imran Khan but distanced himself from PTI’s November 24 protests. “I have no connection to the call for protest on November 24. I wasn’t even there, and there’s no evidence against me,” he clarified.
Concluding his remarks, Rashid warned of dire consequences if political instability continues. “The current situation demands urgent improvement. Otherwise, we’ll face even more chaos,” he said.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
