Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has denied any ongoing talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), amid the party’s protest march toward Islamabad. In contrast, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that an attempt at negotiations had taken place, but ultimately failed.
Speaking to the media at D-Chowk in Islamabad, Naqvi refuted earlier reports suggesting he held meetings at the Ministers Enclave, stating, “I have had no meetings at the Ministers Enclave, and there are no negotiations taking place.” He emphasized, “Our aims are different from theirs,” and reiterated the government’s focus on public safety, saying, “Our priority is protecting the public and saving lives.”
Regarding the alleged meeting between PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and PTI Founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Naqvi dismissed it as an internal PTI matter, adding, “We are waiting for PTI’s response.” He further cautioned that those responsible for the protests and any harm to police officers would be held accountable, stating, “They tried to embarrass us internationally yesterday.” Naqvi warned that anyone attempting to join the protests in Islamabad would be arrested, adding, “They expect to come here and proceed unchecked, but we are prepared with a different strategy.”
Khawaja Asif Confirms Failed Talks
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a separate statement, confirmed that the PTI had tried to engage in negotiations, but no agreement had been reached. He explained, “Negotiations have been attempted, but they have not been successful.” Asif warned that, given the situation, the government would have no choice but to use force if necessary. He also suggested that Bushra Bibi might attempt to exploit the current situation for political gain.
However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denied the media reports of ongoing talks with the government. In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, he expressed surprise at the speculation, stating that party leader Asad Qaiser was not even in Islamabad and that no talks had taken place.
Earlier in the day, it was reported that the government had reached out to the PTI leadership to discuss an alternative location for their planned protest. Sources indicated that negotiations between Naqvi and PTI leaders had taken place at the Ministers Enclave, where the government proposed allowing the PTI to hold their protest at a location other than D-Chowk, such as Peshawar Morr or another site on the outskirts of Islamabad. The government’s key condition was that protesters would have to remain confined to the designated area, and they urged PTI leaders to avoid entering Islamabad due to a scheduled business conference with Belarusian investors in the capital.
