Opposition leader of the National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub has reiterated the party’s steadfast stance on crucial matters, including the release of the party’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, and the establishment of two investigative commissions. In a press briefing outside a district court, Ayub emphasized PTI’s negotiation strategy, which primarily focuses on securing the release of their leadership and conducting investigations into the events of 9 May and 26 November.
Ayub highlighted the necessity for PTI representatives to meet with Imran Khan, whom he claimed was being unlawfully detained by the government. He expressed concerns about the government’s failure to abide by the law, leading to an environment of lawlessness that could potentially hinder investments and negatively impact the nation’s well-being. Additionally, Ayub criticized the administration for mismanagement, pointing out issues such as food shortages and persistent power outages during the winter season.
The district sessions court recently extended Ayub’s interim bail until 9 January due to the investigating officer’s absence, who was on leave at the time. Ayub attended the court session accompanied by his legal counsel, Babar Awan, to address a case related to the 26 November protest at D-Chowk.
### PTI’s Demands in Ongoing Negotiations
The ongoing talks between PTI and the government have entered a crucial phase, with the opposition party presenting two significant demands. These demands include the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9 and November 26, as well as the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan.
A PTI delegation, comprising key figures like Omar Ayub, Raja Nasser Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Salman Akram Raja, convened at the Parliament House for negotiations. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also joined the delegation later on, with the negotiation committee being chaired by Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
During the discussions, PTI representatives reiterated their demands for a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the May 9 protests and the November 26 sit-ins. They also pushed for the immediate release of Imran Khan and all other detained PTI members and supporters.
Asad Qaiser acknowledged the potential lengthiness of the negotiation process and recognized the limited progress made in the initial meetings. He affirmed PTI’s commitment to listening to the government’s perspective while effectively presenting their case in subsequent discussions.
In a bid to foster productive dialogue, PTI leaders engaged in a pre-negotiation meeting with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, where Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was also in attendance, setting the stage for constructive talks ahead.
