PTI Rejects Resumption of Talks with Govt, Calls Dialogue Chapter Closed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) National Assembly Opposition Leader, Omar Ayub Khan, has firmly stated that the possibility of resuming dialogue between the PTI and the incumbent government is now closed. Speaking on Saturday, Ayub emphasized that political talks cannot be based on mere wishes but require genuine commitment from both sides, something he claimed the government failed to show.

The PTI leader criticized the coalition government for its approach to the stalled negotiations, which started in late December amid growing political tensions. Despite holding three rounds of talks, no significant progress was made. PTI had also presented a written charter of demands but refused to attend the fourth round of talks, citing the government’s failure to establish a judicial commission to probe the May 9 riots and the November 2024 protests.

In light of the collapse of negotiations, the PTI has indicated plans for further agitation, holding a rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to mark ‘Black Day’ on Saturday, in protest against alleged rigging in the general elections.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the National Assembly clarified that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had not formally invited PTI for talks, but rather kept the door open for dialogue if either side formally requests it.

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In a separate statement, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui echoed Ayub’s sentiments, labeling the government’s negotiation committee as “practically non-functional.” Siddiqui also accused PTI of reverting to violent protests instead of engaging in meaningful discussions, and said that the government may reconsider its stance if PTI later expresses interest in resuming talks.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, in the meantime, clarified that the party was not seeking foreign intervention for the release of Imran Khan, PTI’s founder. He stated that Imran Khan has not made, nor will he make, any deals with other countries for his release, reaffirming that the party’s stance is focused on Pakistan’s democracy, not personal deals.