In a significant development aimed at easing political tensions in the country, the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have agreed to engage in unconditional talks through the parliamentary forum. This step comes amidst PTI’s warnings of a civil disobedience movement and its calls for reconciliation.
The breakthrough was achieved during a meeting at the Speaker House in Islamabad, attended by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, PTI leaders Asad Qaiser, Omar Ayub, and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza. The meeting followed a telephonic conversation between Sadiq and Qaiser, according to insiders.
“The government has accepted PTI’s offer for dialogue to foster reconciliation,” a government source stated. PTI, which initially set preconditions for talks, has since retracted those demands, signaling willingness to engage.
Last week, PTI established a five-member committee comprising Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser to lead negotiations. The party has emphasized the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and the crackdown on November 26 protesters as key demands.
While informal discussions have begun, PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that formal negotiations are yet to take place. Government sources added that any talks would require approval from PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed that a previously formed NA speaker-led negotiation committee would engage PTI. However, PPP leaders have expressed concerns, stating that meaningful progress is unlikely without their involvement.
Separately, PTI’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan called on the National Assembly to ensure justice for PTI supporters, citing state violence during peaceful protests and urging accountability.
