Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that all key power centres in the country should be involved in the dialogue process, not just politicians. He stressed that a collective effort from all institutions is necessary to find solutions to the nation’s issues.
“As there are multiple power centres in the country— the army, bureaucracy, politicians, judiciary, and media— they all need to come together to address the challenges we face,” Asif stated during an address at a ceremony on Saturday. However, he also cautioned the government’s negotiating team not to allow Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to “exploit” them in the process.
These remarks come as the federal government initiated talks with the PTI earlier this week, marking a shift in the political landscape after months of escalating tensions. During the discussions, the PTI has called for a judicial investigation into the May 9 riots, the late-night crackdown on November 26, and the release of “political prisoners.”
The two sides are set to continue their talks, with the next meeting scheduled for January 2.
While expressing his support for the dialogue process, Asif warned against trusting Khan, without naming him directly. He pointed out that for the past 10-15 years, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has always been the one to take the initiative in talks. “Ask anyone from PTI, who has Imran Khan shown loyalty to?” he questioned, recalling how the former prime minister did not even attend the funerals of those who had been with him for years. “He uses people. Don’t let him use you,” Asif warned.
Reflecting on the past, Asif lamented that despite being in power or out of it, PML-N had always offered talks but rarely received a positive response. “What happened in the last 15 days that now they are ready for talks?” he asked, expressing his confusion about why Khan is suddenly seeking dialogue.
‘Admitting Mistakes is Crucial Before Talks’: Sanaullah
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stated that a meeting between PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, PTI founder Imran Khan, and President Asif Ali Zardari could be the key to resolving the current political crisis. He emphasized that negotiations are the only path forward.
Sanaullah summed up 40 years of political history, saying, “The country cannot overcome its crises unless the politicians sit together.” He also noted that PTI had opposed talks before November 26, but the situation seems to have changed since then.
He recalled that both Nawaz Sharif and former PPP leader Benazir Bhutto had acknowledged their mistakes prior to the Charter of Democracy, underscoring the importance of admitting errors before engaging in talks.
“However, if one is unwilling to fully accept their mistakes, they can still express regret,” added the Prime Minister’s aide.
‘Negotiations Must Continue Despite Tensions’: NA Speaker
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that negotiations must proceed despite existing tensions. He revealed that he had urged the prime minister to establish a government committee after reaching out to the opposition.
“My role was to facilitate the dialogue, which should be carried out by both committees,” said the NA speaker.
Meanwhile, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique addressed a seminar in Lahore, stating that the country is currently in a state of internal conflict. He blamed PTI founder Imran Khan, former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, and former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar for contributing to the nation’s problems. Rafique expressed optimism about the upcoming government-opposition talks, saying, “The talks will be serious, and there will be a way out.”
He added that unfortunately, all three political parties have become victims of “remote control politics,” warning that many individuals will become irrelevant if the situation continues.
