The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government face deadlock as negotiations hit a stalemate. PTI has demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9, 2023 riots and the November 26 crackdown. Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief and a member of PTI’s negotiation team, warned that the talks would collapse without a commission. Raza said the fourth round of talks is unlikely if their demand is not met.
The PTI initiated talks last month after months of political tension. The party presented two primary demands: the release of political prisoners and a judicial inquiry into the mentioned events. Despite this, the PTI has not yet submitted its demands in writing.
Imran Khan Approves Written Submission of Demands
PTI negotiators met former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail to secure approval for submitting their demands in writing. PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, and Sher Afzal Marwat received Khan’s go-ahead during their meeting today.
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Raza accused the government of delaying progress in the talks. He claimed that government representatives initially stated they had no demands but later requested PTI to submit theirs in writing. “If they want written demands, they should also provide written confirmation of their stance,” Raza said.
Raza further alleged that “powerful quarters” are influencing the process. He hinted that certain entities are obstructing a direct meeting between the PTI team and Imran Khan. Despite the deadlock, Raza expressed optimism that Imran Khan would be released, even if negotiations fail.
Government Denies Responsibility for Delays
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui, leading the government’s negotiation team, admitted the government should have facilitated a meeting with Imran Khan earlier. However, he clarified that arranging meetings is the responsibility of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
Siddiqui criticized PTI for attaching excessive conditions to the meeting. “The jail manual cannot be suspended for a meeting involving eight people,” he stated. He suggested that one person could meet Khan to convey instructions and finalize the charter of demands.
The PML-N senator emphasized the need for a “charter of economy and democracy.” He also proposed establishing a code of conduct for protests and sit-ins. Siddiqui downplayed PTI’s sit-in threats, asserting that the government remains unshaken.
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