Government
ISLAMABAD: Rana Ihsan Afzal, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Commerce and Industries, stated on Friday that there has been no progress in the ongoing talks between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to Afzal, PTI has not yet submitted its list of demands, which has stalled the dialogue process.
Afzal shared details about the initial discussions between the government and PTI, explaining that two key agreements were reached at the outset: PTI was asked to submit its demands, and their negotiating team was encouraged to consult with the party’s founder for further guidance.
However, despite consultations, the PTI team has yet to present a finalized list of demands, which Afzal sees as a major roadblock in moving forward.
In a broader critique, Afzal accused PTI of attempting to derail the country’s progress, while praising the government for stabilizing Pakistan politically and economically.
He highlighted the government’s success in reducing inflation to single digits and the increase in remittances and exports as proof of its efforts to revive the economy.
Afzal underscored that these positive economic indicators reflect the government’s commitment to stability and development, stressing that any attempt to hinder this progress would be futile.
Meanwhile, Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, provided an update on the situation.
Speaking on the talk show Aitraz Hai, he suggested that PTI’s negotiating team is expected to meet with the party’s founder by Monday. He expressed hope that the PTI team would present their charter of demands to the government next week.
Sanaullah emphasized that the absence of a formal demand list from PTI had prevented any substantial discussions in the previous round of talks.
He also addressed allegations of propaganda against Pakistan, noting that some individuals from within the country were involved in spreading negative narratives in the United States and Europe.
He accused foreign lobbies, particularly those from India and Jewish groups, of supporting such efforts, but firmly stated that Pakistan, as a sovereign nation, would not bow to external pressure.
The ongoing deadlock in the negotiations reflects the deepening political rift in the country, with both parties remaining far apart on key issues. The government’s call for PTI to submit clear demands remains unmet, delaying any potential breakthrough in talks.
