Govt Urges PTI to Reconsider Decision to End Negotiations

Islamabad:  – The government has called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reconsider its decision to terminate the ongoing negotiations, as the deadline for talks rapidly approaches.

Speaking outside the Parliament House on Thursday, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the government negotiation committee, expressed concerns over PTI’s decision to end the fourth round of discussions. He pointed out that the seven-day deadline for a response, which ends on January 28, was rapidly nearing, and negotiations had taken place over a span of six weeks before PTI made its demands.

“The PTI needs to reflect on its decision,” Siddiqui remarked, urging the party to consider the consequences of ending the talks. He questioned whether this would lead to a repeat of disruptive events like May 9 or November 26, referring to past political crises. Siddiqui emphasized that PTI, having initiated the negotiation process, should have waited for the government’s response before abruptly ending talks.

“The onus is now on PTI to formally inform the government in writing if they choose to walk away,” Siddiqui said. He reminded the media that the negotiation process had been started at PTI’s request, with both parties establishing committees to facilitate the talks.

The negotiations, which began in early December, had been progressing through multiple rounds, with key discussions taking place up until January 16. Siddiqui expressed disappointment over PTI’s decision, asking, “What has transpired in these seven days that made PTI decide to end the talks?”

In response to the PTI’s announcement that it would not continue discussions due to a lack of cooperation and the government’s refusal to establish a judicial commission, PTI’s leadership under Imran Khan made the decision. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking outside Adiala Jail, stated that PTI’s decision was based on the government’s refusal to form a three-judge commission to investigate the violent incidents of May 9, 2023.

Khan added that PTI had been running a civil disobedience movement and had not raised certain issues, such as the prime minister’s social media posts, during the negotiations.

Siddiqui also took a firm stance on the freedom of expression, condemning the practices of vloggers masquerading as journalists. He expressed frustration over the publication of fake columns attributed to him, claiming that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had yet to take any action.

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The negotiation committee spokesperson concluded by announcing that a meeting would be convened on January 28 to discuss the next steps, urging PTI to reconsider its decision for the sake of the country’s political stability.

As the clock ticks down to the deadline, both parties are under increasing pressure to find common ground.