Asif Criticizes PTI’s Genuine Commitment to Dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Asif Criticizes PTI’s Genuine Commitment to Dialogue. In response to media reports suggesting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is open to negotiations, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif stated on Sunday that any such overtures from the opposition party lack genuine intent.

He criticized PTI founder Imran Khan for his inconsistent behavior, noting that even within the party, there is a lack of trust in Khan. Asif also expressed frustration with Khan’s self-centered and opportunistic approach.

Asif criticized Khan for his perceived arrogance during his tenure as Prime Minister, emphasizing his close relationships with former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed at the time. He noted that Sharif had actively sought negotiations and extended gestures of goodwill, such as personally greeting the PTI leadership in the National Assembly.

PTI Seeks End to Deadlock with Establishment, Hopes for Resolution: Hasan

Conversely, the PTI consistently insisted on negotiating with the military establishment. PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan expressed hope for an end to the current impasse and affirmed the party’s openness to dialogue. Hasan reiterated the PTI’s position of only engaging with those holding real power in the country.

However, the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) demanded that those involved in the May 9 violent protests issue an apology and abandon any disruptive political behavior before any talks could proceed. The May 9 incidents involved violent protests following Khan’s arrest on corruption charges, leading to attacks on state and military properties.

Raoof Hasan emphasized that any potential talks should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution, believing that constitutional adherence would resolve instability. Meanwhile, reports emerged suggesting that the PML-N had approached Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai to mediate talks with the PTI, a claim Achakzai confirmed.

No Talks with PML-N, Says PTI, Dismissing Reports of Secret Negotiations

In response, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denied these reports, stating that the PTI had not proposed any talks with the current ruling party nor sought any favors.

Earlier, on July 31, the imprisoned PTI founder had expressed his party’s readiness to negotiate with the military, calling for the army to appoint a representative for discussions. He reiterated his belief that the current government was attempting to undermine his party by creating a rift between the PTI and the military.

Follow us on our social media platforms here: Twitter  WHATSAPP CHANNEL FACEBOOK PAGE