Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to form a parliamentary committee, calling it irrelevant to the party’s core demands.
Speaking exclusively on a private channel, Gohar stated that the prime minister’s proposal did not address PTI’s key issues. “The prime minister spoke on an irrelevant subject today,” he said, emphasizing that the committee idea was unrelated to PTI’s demands.
He clarified that PTI’s primary demands were the establishment of a judicial commission and the release of imprisoned party members, not discussions about elections or mandates. “We will not consider this unrelated offer,” Gohar added, accusing the government of deliberately delaying negotiations and missing an important opportunity for resolution.
“It is unfortunate that the government never had the intention of forming a neutral commission,” he continued, expressing frustration over the lack of progress.
Shibli Faraz Rejects House Committee Proposal
PTI leader Shibli Faraz also rejected the government’s suggestion to form a house committee, calling it ineffective. “A house committee is not the right way to proceed,” Faraz said, criticizing the government’s approach and its treatment of other political parties. He noted that the public places trust in commissions, and the idea of a house committee lacked the necessary impact.
Faraz added that if the government were serious about negotiations, a committee would have already been established. “Our struggle for law and justice continues,” he asserted. “We will always stand for the law and justice system, regardless of the circumstances.”
He further highlighted the political instability the country is experiencing, stressing that PTI had initially agreed to negotiations in an effort to address the crisis. However, he emphasized that the government’s sincerity was crucial for resolving the issues.
PM Shehbaz’s Cabinet Meeting and National Security Remarks
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a federal cabinet meeting on Thursday, where he addressed national security concerns, political developments, and economic measures.
He paid tribute to Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism in North Waziristan. The prime minister praised the sacrifices of the armed forces, emphasizing that the nation’s peace and stability depend on the dedication of young officers and soldiers. “A 29-year-old major gave his life for the country. We must honor these sacrifices,” he said.
PM Shehbaz also stressed the importance of security for economic growth, reiterating the government’s commitment to countering extremism and addressing challenges to the state’s authority.
PM Shehbaz on PTI Talks and Committees
On the political front, the prime minister discussed the stalled talks with PTI. He revealed that the government had accepted PTI’s offer for dialogue and even formed a committee to facilitate negotiations. However, PTI had backed out of a scheduled meeting on January 28, refusing to engage. “They ran away after setting the date. We said we would respond to them in writing,” the prime minister said, adding that past political investigations, including those from 2018, had not been pursued properly.
He questioned why the PTI’s 2014 sit-in was overlooked in political discussions, highlighting that the committee set up to investigate the 2018 incidents had failed to hold a single meeting. “If they want to talk about November 26, 2024, then the 2014 sit-in should also be considered,” he stated, stressing that the government is sincere about moving the negotiations forward.
Economic Measures and Human Trafficking Concerns
On economic matters, PM Shehbaz welcomed the 1% reduction in interest rates, though he noted that a 2% cut would have been more beneficial for economic growth. He emphasized that Pakistan cannot afford further economic losses and urged the need for a stable financial environment.
Regarding human trafficking, the prime minister expressed grave concern over the exploitation of Pakistani citizens abroad, which has harmed the country’s reputation. He assured that the government is taking strong action against human smuggling networks and would not engage in discussions with China or other stakeholders until these illegal activities are eradicated.
