Final decision on “continuity of talks” will follow the meeting, say sources.
RAWALPINDI: Amid uncertainty over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) stance on continuing dialogue with the government, party founder Imran Khan on Saturday requested a meeting with his party’s negotiation team ahead of the next round of talks scheduled for January 28.
Sources informed that during a meeting with PTI leaders at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, the incarcerated former prime minister stated that the party’s final position on the negotiations would be determined after meeting with the team.
PTI has issued conflicting statements regarding the negotiations. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had previously announced that talks were on hold, marking a departure from the party’s earlier position of calling off the negotiations entirely.
The party had initially suspended dialogue due to the government’s “non-cooperation” and delays in forming a judicial commission to investigate the violent May 9, 2023 protests and the crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad on November 26, 2024.
For nearly a month, PTI and the ruling coalition have been engaged in talks aimed at resolving political tensions. To date, three rounds of talks have taken place, but they reached an impasse when PTI insisted on the formation of the judicial commission before attending the fourth round. The ruling alliance responded by stating that they would present their written reply to PTI’s demand in the next round.
However, in a reversal of his earlier statement, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan remarked that the party could reconsider its decision to halt the dialogue, provided the government announces the formation of the judicial commission.
PTI’s Clear Demands
Meanwhile, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz, speaking to the media outside Adiala jail, reiterated that the party’s primary goal is an impartial investigation into the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, through the establishment of a judicial commission.
“The government has the best opportunity to form a commission and create a credible environment,” Shibli stated, adding that if the government fails to do so, “something is fishy.” He emphasized that PTI has no objection to continuing negotiations as long as the judicial commission is formed.
Shibli also criticized the government’s “contradictory statements” regarding the judicial commission, noting that they had initially assured a decision within eight days, but are now talking about eight working days instead.
He underscored that political stability is crucial for the country’s progress, saying, “Our doors are open to discuss the country’s betterment, economic and political stability.”
PTI Won’t Attend January 28 Session
In a separate development, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed that the party would not participate in the session called by National Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on January 28.
Speaking to journalists outside Adiala jail after meeting with Imran Khan, Raja revealed that he had an “extensive discussion” with the PTI founder about the talks. He accused the government of “ridiculing” PTI’s charter of demands and reiterated the party’s intention to reveal the truth behind the events of May 9 and November 26.
When asked about party leadership, Raja clarified that Junaid Akbar had been appointed as PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter president at the request of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. However, he confirmed that Gandapur would continue as the provincial chief executive.
Raja also confirmed that Mashal Yousafzai has been appointed as the spokesperson for Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife.
