All Power Centres Must Join Dialogue, Not Just Politicians: Khawaja Asif

LAHORE: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has called for a broad-based dialogue involving all key power centres of Pakistan to resolve the country’s political crisis. Speaking at a ceremony on Saturday, Asif emphasized that the army, bureaucracy, judiciary, media, and politicians must all be part of the talks to find a lasting solution.

Asif’s comments come as the federal government began negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) this week, following months of escalating political tensions. The talks were initiated at Parliament House and are expected to address key issues, including PTI’s demands for a judicial probe into the May 9 riots, the November 26 crackdown, and the release of “political prisoners.”

While Asif expressed his support for the negotiations, he cautioned the government’s negotiating team against allowing PTI founder Imran Khan to “take advantage” of the situation. “I warn you, do not let him use you,” Asif said, referring to Khan’s history of political maneuvering. He questioned the sudden willingness of PTI to engage in talks after years of rejecting similar overtures from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

The defence minister also took a swipe at Khan, saying, “Anyone from PTI, tell me, who has he shown loyalty to?” He pointed out that Khan had failed to show respect to those who had supported him, citing instances such as his absence from the funerals of close associates.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, also weighed in on the need for dialogue. He suggested that key political figures, including Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan, and Asif Ali Zardari, should come together to resolve the crisis. Sanaullah emphasized the importance of acknowledging past mistakes before proceeding with talks, recalling how Nawaz and former PPP leader Benazir Bhutto had admitted their mistakes before signing the Charter of Democracy.

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National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, while stressing that negotiations must continue despite the bitterness, called for the formation of a government committee to facilitate dialogue with the opposition.

PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique also voiced his hope for successful government-opposition talks, acknowledging the country’s internal conflicts but expressing optimism that serious discussions could lead to a way out.

As the political landscape remains volatile, all eyes will be on the upcoming sessions, with the next meeting scheduled for January 2, 2024.