Political tensions in Pakistan remain high as PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui cautions that PTI’s inconsistent stance on key demands may hinder ongoing negotiations. The keyword, “PTI demands,” reflects the crux of the issue as both parties navigate a fragile dialogue process aimed at resolving political disputes.
PTI’s Changing Demands Spark Frustration
The dialogue between the coalition government and PTI, initiated on December 23, 2024, sought to address political unrest with PTI initially presenting two demands: releasing political prisoners and launching a judicial probe into the events of May 9 and November 26. However, PTI has now introduced new demands, including the release of Imran Khan through an executive order and involving “real decision-makers” in talks.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed frustration, highlighting that PTI has yet to provide a written list of its demands despite prior assurances. He emphasized that the inconsistency could derail the progress made during the first two rounds of talks.
Concerns Over Lack of Coordination
The PML-N senator pointed out a lack of coordination within PTI’s leadership, referencing a statement by Asad Qaiser, a PTI negotiation committee member, suggesting that the party’s leadership is not aligned on sharing demands in writing. “The process cannot advance if PTI continues shifting its stance,” Siddiqui remarked.
Qaiser had previously stated that PTI wants stakeholders with real decision-making power involved in the negotiations. However, Siddiqui noted that this demand was absent during earlier talks, adding to the perception of inconsistency.
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PTI Calls for Sincerity in Negotiations
In response, Asad Qaiser clarified that PTI remains committed to the dialogue and described the submission of written demands as a “formality.” He stressed that PTI’s demands are clear and called for a sincere approach from both sides.
Qaiser also urged the government’s team to consult with all relevant stakeholders to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in the final decisions. He emphasized that PTI aims to prioritize national interests over party agendas and reiterated the party’s intention to contribute positively to resolving the crisis.
Next Steps in the Dialogue Process
The third round of talks is expected to take place this week, where both sides aim to address unresolved issues. PTI insists on including broader leadership from its ranks in the discussions, emphasizing that decisions should reflect the consensus of all stakeholders.
While PTI has assured its commitment to the process, PML-N has expressed concerns over the apparent lack of cohesion in PTI’s approach. Both parties acknowledge the need for sincerity and careful decision-making as they work toward de-escalating political tensions.
The upcoming round of negotiations will be pivotal in determining whether the parties can bridge their differences and make meaningful progress, or if shifting demands will further strain the fragile dialogue.
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