The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has requested more time to finalize its demands with party founder Imran Khan ahead of the third round of talks with the government next week. The negotiations, aimed at easing political tensions, began in December 2024 and have seen mixed progress. The keyword PTI demands highlights the crux of the ongoing dialogue.
Second Round of Talks Ends Without a Breakthrough
The second round of talks between government representatives and PTI leaders took place on January 2, 2025, in Islamabad under the chairmanship of National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The meeting was held in-camera, with senior officials from both sides present.
The PTI delegation included opposition leader Omar Ayub, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and others. Meanwhile, the government side featured prominent figures such as PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah.
Speaking after the meeting, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq noted that the atmosphere was “even more cordial” compared to previous talks. However, he confirmed that PTI had requested additional time to consult with Imran Khan on a “conclusive list” of demands.
PTI’s Demands and Agenda
The PTI’s primary demands include the release of under-trial political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024. Opposition leader Omar Ayub stressed the necessity of negotiations and stated that the PTI would present its points without prejudice.
“We are politicians, not a commando force,” Ayub said, emphasizing the importance of dialogue. He added that the talks would reveal the government’s intentions and hopefully lead to actionable solutions.
The PTI leadership has decided to focus on these two demands as confidence-building measures before moving forward with broader negotiations. Party insiders revealed that PTI is frustrated by what they describe as “illogical” statements from government ministers, urging the ruling party to adopt a more constructive approach.
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Efforts to Bridge Political Divides
Both sides expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the negotiations. Ayaz Sadiq, who has been facilitating the talks, described the feedback from both parties as positive. He noted that the discussions could help resolve longstanding issues and improve the political climate.
During the meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur offered valuable suggestions, which Sadiq praised as heartfelt and meaningful. The discussions also touched upon a possible “Charter of Democracy,” which could serve as a framework for future collaboration between the government and the opposition.
Next Steps
The third round of talks is expected to take place next week. Both sides hope to make tangible progress on key issues, with PTI finalizing its demands after consultation with Imran Khan. For now, the focus remains on addressing immediate concerns to create a more conducive environment for dialogue.
These talks mark a critical opportunity for political reconciliation in Pakistan, offering a chance to defuse tensions and prioritize the nation’s welfare.
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