Despite the looming possibility of Imran Khan’s conviction, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Yousafzai has affirmed that negotiations between PTI and the government will continue. Stressing the importance of dialogue to resolve political tensions, Yousafzai reiterated the party’s commitment to achieving justice through peaceful means.
PTI’s Demands and Government’s Stance
Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, Yousafzai outlined PTI’s core demands: the unconditional release of detained workers and the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate alleged political persecution. However, he criticized the government for denying PTI’s negotiating committee access to Imran Khan, terming it a deliberate attempt to delay the dialogue process.
“Our demands are clear, but we need Imran Khan’s input to finalize them,” Yousafzai said. He urged the government to facilitate the talks by allowing access to the detained PTI leader. He accused authorities of insincerity, claiming their actions contradicted their stated commitment to resolving the political crisis.
Dismissal of Corruption Allegations
Yousafzai dismissed the £190 million corruption case against Imran Khan as a baseless attempt to tarnish the former prime minister’s reputation. He expressed confidence that any conviction in this case would be overturned by higher courts. “This is a case of acquittal, and the government knows it,” he asserted.
The PTI leader emphasized that negotiations were not about political compromises but about ensuring justice and upholding democratic principles. He also reaffirmed the party’s stance on continuing its civil disobedience campaign alongside the dialogue process.
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Concerns Over Government Sincerity
Yousafzai questioned the government’s sincerity in the negotiations, stating that the future of the talks depended on their seriousness. He criticized the lack of meaningful engagement and called on the government to act responsibly to prevent further political instability.
“We will proceed only if the government demonstrates genuine commitment,” Yousafzai stated. He warned that any delay in addressing PTI’s demands would deepen the political crisis and harm the democratic process.
Evolving Demands Spark Debate
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui voiced concerns over PTI’s shifting demands during negotiations. PTI’s recent conditions, including the release of Imran Khan through an executive order and the inclusion of “real decision-makers” in the talks, have drawn criticism from the government.
Initially, both sides had reached a consensus on two demands during earlier talks: the release of political prisoners and a judicial inquiry into the May 9 and November 26 events. However, PTI’s introduction of new conditions has raised doubts about their alignment and consistency.
Siddiqui cautioned that frequent changes in PTI’s stance could jeopardize progress in the negotiations. He called for sincerity and alignment within PTI’s leadership to ensure constructive dialogue.
Commitment to Dialogue Amid Challenges
Despite the challenges, PTI leaders like Asad Qaiser have reaffirmed their commitment to the dialogue process. Qaiser emphasized the need for transparency and broader leadership involvement to align the party’s demands and achieve meaningful progress.
PTI remains firm in its intention to continue negotiations, urging the government to engage all stakeholders and expedite decision-making. While tensions persist, the party’s focus on peaceful dialogue offers hope for resolving Pakistan’s ongoing political crisis.
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