Conclusive Talks
Ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who serves as the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, expressed a positive gesture towards Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emphasizing that it would be a constructive development if both parties could reach a conclusion before PTI’s January 31 deadline.
In an appearance on program “Naya Pakistan” on Friday, Senator Siddiqui underscored the importance of setting aside external distractions and focusing on resolving political disputes through dialogue.
He pointed out that negotiations between the PTI and the government were ongoing, but a concrete outcome could not be expected until PTI formally presented its demands in writing.
Siddiqui mentioned that a clear picture would emerge after PTI submits its “charter of demand” by January 2, which is when both parties are scheduled to meet again.
He clarified that the PTI was free to put forward any demands it wished, and the government had no objections to continuing the talks, aimed at reducing political tensions and restoring trust.
The senator also assured that the government would not impose any conditions on PTI, even refraining from asking the party to withdraw its civil disobedience call during the negotiations.
Siddiqui expressed optimism for productive talks and encouraged PTI to approach the negotiations with an open heart. He also stated that the government was prepared to facilitate any demands made by the opposition, including arranging meetings with PTI’s jailed leader, Imran Khan.
Senator Siddiqui’s remarks came a day after Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed PTI’s deadline, calling it a “face-saving” attempt and claiming the government did not take it seriously.
Tarar also predicted that PTI’s call for overseas Pakistanis to halt remittances would meet the same fate as its previous unsuccessful protest in Islamabad.
The PTI negotiation committee had set the January 31 deadline after meeting with party leader Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, reiterating its demands for a judicial probe into the May 9 riots, the November 26 crackdown, and the release of “political prisoners.”
The negotiation process, which began earlier this week in Parliament House, marks a significant effort to address the political deadlock that has gripped the country for months.
The initial meeting included prominent figures from both sides, such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, along with PTI representatives including former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser and other leaders from Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM). The second session is scheduled for January 2.
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