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Govt Dismisses PTI’s Deadline for Talks as a Face-Saving Move, Says Tarar

Imran Khan Ready to Forgive Adversaries, PTI’s Remittance Boycott Continues

Islamabad: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar responded sharply to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) January 31 deadline for “result-oriented” talks, saying the government does not take the ultimatum seriously. Tarar dismissed the deadline as a “face-saving” attempt by PTI following its series of political defeats.

Earlier, PTI’s negotiation committee, after meeting party founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, set the deadline and reiterated demands including a judicial probe into the May 9 riots, the late-night crackdown on November 26, and the release of “political prisoners.” PTI leaders also indicated that the first phase of their civil disobedience movement—boycotting remittances—would continue despite the talks.

Sahibzada Hamid Raza, head of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and a member of the PTI’s dialogue team, remarked that Imran Khan was willing to forgive his political adversaries for the sake of Pakistan. He also confirmed the continuation of PTI’s remittance boycott initiative, which has been a cornerstone of the party’s resistance.

In an interview with a private news channel, Tarar criticized PTI’s actions as desperate moves to salvage its credibility after repeated political setbacks. He claimed that PTI’s recent calls, including the remittance boycott, would end in failure just like its previous “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad.

Tarar also denied reports suggesting that the government had offered a deal to Imran Khan, including options for house arrest or a move to a prison in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI holds power.

Meanwhile, the government has moved forward with the negotiation process. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Senator Irfan Siddiqui as the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, which is tasked with engaging PTI on pressing political and national issues. The committee, led by senior figures including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister Rana Sanaullah, met with PTI representatives, including former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and SIC’s Sahibzada Hamid Raza.

Read More: Federal Info Minister Tarar Lauds Stellar Cricket Performances

The two sides are scheduled to hold their second meeting on January 2, when PTI is expected to present its demands in writing.

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