Islamabad: Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif, expressed doubts about the sincerity of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in its reported interest in negotiations. Speaking on Sunday, Asif criticized PTI’s leader, Imran Khan, for what he described as erratic behavior and opportunistic attitudes, claiming that even members of PTI have lost trust in their own party chief.
During an appearance on a private news channels’ program, Asif shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had extended multiple offers to PTI for dialogue. He mentioned that the premier even proposed a “Charter of Economy” to PTI, inviting them to work together for the country’s economic stability. However, neither Khan nor his ministers responded to these initiatives.
Reflecting on Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister, Asif described Khan’s attitude as arrogant, stating that he often ignored the opposition. “He sat with his back turned towards us, filled with arrogance,” Asif remarked, highlighting the close relationship Khan had at the time with former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed.
Despite these challenges, Asif noted that Shehbaz Sharif, even as the premier, continued to invite PTI for talks. He recalled an instance where the prime minister walked across the floor of the National Assembly to personally shake hands with PTI leadership, demonstrating his willingness to engage constructively.
However, according to Asif, PTI remained focused on engaging with the establishment rather than the government. He pointed out that the PTI spokesperson, Raoof Hasan, expressed a willingness to negotiate with the military, stating in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) that the party has always been open to dialogue with those in power.
The PTI has consistently emphasized that it seeks talks with those who hold real power in the country. However, the military’s stance has been firm, with the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) demanding that PTI members involved in the May 9 violent protests apologize and abandon what he termed the “politics of anarchy” before any dialogue could take place.
The May 9 protests erupted following the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case, leading to widespread violence, including attacks on state and military properties. The authorities have vowed to prosecute those involved under the Army Act.
Raoof Hasan, while hopeful for dialogue, clarified that any talks would need to be within the constitutional framework. He emphasized that the country’s instability would only end when all institutions start functioning within their constitutional limits.
Amid these developments, reports surfaced that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had approached Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai to mediate talks with PTI. Achakzai confirmed the approach, stating that all political leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, are united in their commitment to the Constitution.
However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan rejected these reports, denying that his party had offered to engage in talks with the ruling party. He emphasized that PTI has not sought any favors or initiated dialogue with the current government.
Previously, on July 31, the incarcerated PTI founder, Imran Khan, expressed readiness to engage in talks with the military. Speaking to journalists from Adiala Jail, he stated, “We are ready to hold talks with the military. The army should nominate their representative for negotiations.” He accused the current government of attempting to destroy PTI by creating a rift between the party and the armed forces.
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