PTI sets January 31 deadline for government negotiations, govt rejects it as ‘face-saving’
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has set January 31 as the cut-off date for ongoing negotiations with the government, aiming to address the country’s mounting political tensions. Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and spokesperson for PTI’s negotiation team, announced this after a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Raza stated, “The PTI is giving the government until January 31 to conclude the dialogue aimed at reducing political tensions. Our negotiation team will formally communicate this deadline during the January 2 meeting with the government committee.”
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The PTI has outlined several key demands, including the formation of judicial commissions to investigate violent incidents on May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, as well as the release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan.
May 9 marked a turning point when PTI supporters staged violent protests after Imran Khan’s arrest by paramilitary forces in a corruption case. Similarly, on November 26, PTI alleged that authorities fired live rounds at demonstrators during a protest march in Islamabad, resulting in multiple casualties and missing persons. “This was an assault on the people and democracy,” Raza said, calling for transparent inquiries led by senior Supreme Court judges.
Raza further clarified that the release of Imran Khan should occur through a judicial process, not as part of a political deal. “Imran Khan was acquitted by courts, yet the government continues to lodge new cases against him,” he said.
The PTI founder’s imprisonment last year and ongoing legal challenges have strained relations between the party and the government, as well as the military establishment. PTI members and leaders have reported systematic victimization, including alleged torture and suspension of civil and human rights.
“This is the first time since 1971 that a political party has faced such targeted persecution,” Raza lamented. Despite these challenges, he emphasized Imran Khan’s willingness to forgive the violence directed at him, urging all sides to resolve political grievances through dialogue.
The PTI has also called on its supporters overseas to suspend remittances to Pakistan until their demands are met, maintaining pressure on the government.
Both PTI and the government have formed committees to facilitate the dialogue. The first meeting between the two groups took place earlier this week, with PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan revealing that Imran Khan had requested a clear timeline for negotiations. Senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah responded positively, signaling the government’s readiness to accommodate this request.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also emphasized resolving the crisis through dialogue and instructed his committee, which includes members of the ruling coalition, to address PTI’s grievances.
In light of the February elections, where PTI-backed candidates faced challenges in joining registered political parties with the Election Commission of Pakistan, Imran Khan directed successful candidates in national and provincial assemblies to align with the SIC, a key PTI ally. This move underscores PTI’s strategy to navigate legal and political hurdles while maintaining influence in parliament.
Raza reaffirmed the PTI’s confidence in its lawmakers, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. He also reiterated Imran Khan’s condemnation of military airstrikes in Afghanistan, urging Pakistan to resolve regional disputes through peaceful dialogue.
Govt dismisses PTI’s negotiation deadline as ‘face-Saving’ attempt
The government has dismissed PTI’s January 31 deadline for negotiations as a “face-saving” tactic, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar terming it a reaction to the party’s recent political setbacks. PTI issued the ultimatum after its negotiation committee met party founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, demanding a judicial probe into the May 9 riots, the November 26 crackdown, and the release of “political prisoners.”
Sunni Ittehad Council chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza stated that Khan is willing to forgive past grievances for Pakistan’s sake but confirmed the continuation of PTI’s civil disobedience movement, including the remittance boycott.
Tarar criticized PTI’s strategy, claiming their campaigns, such as the call to withhold remittances, are destined to fail like previous efforts. He rejected claims of any deal being offered to Khan, including house arrest or transfer to a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prison. Negotiations between the government and PTI began this week at Parliament House, with both sides presenting demands and engaging in talks.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, newly appointed spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, emphasized that the discussions aim to resolve pressing political tensions. PTI is set to submit written demands in the next session scheduled for January 2.
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