Government Urges PTI to Reconsider Ending Negotiations
The government has expressed disappointment over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) decision to call off ongoing negotiations and urged the former ruling party to reconsider its stance as the deadline for key negotiations approaches.
In a statement on Thursday, Irfan Siddiqui, a spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, called PTI’s move “unfortunate” and stressed that the deadline of January 28, marking seven working days for PTI’s demands, was still in play.
Shift in PTI’s Position
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that the lack of action on this demand, along with a perceived lack of follow-through on earlier commitments, led Imran Khan to declare that negotiations should be ended.
Progress in Talks
Siddiqui, speaking to the media outside Parliament, reflected on the course of talks that began in late December to ease political tensions. He noted that the negotiations, which have seen three rounds, have made limited progress on key matters.
Primary Demands and Government’s Response
PTI’s primary demands included the formation of two judicial commissions to investigate the May 9, 2023 riots and incidents related to PTI’s protests in Islamabad from November 24 to November 27, 2024. The government, Siddiqui continued, had been working diligently on these demands. A sub-committee, formed by the government and supported by seven allied parties, had been preparing a written response.
Call for Reconsideration
Siddiqui also defended the government’s actions throughout the process, highlighting its restraint in response to Imran Khan’s civil disobedience calls and social media activity. He urged PTI to reconsider its decision and suggested that the party’s leadership, beyond Imran Khan’s influence, might still be open to constructive dialogue.
As a young journalist covering political negotiations, I remember a time when my own family members struggled to find common ground on important issues. It wasn’t easy, but through open communication and a willingness to listen, they were able to reach compromises that benefited everyone involved. In the same way, the government and PTI must come together, put aside personal grievances, and work towards a resolution that serves the best interests of the people. Let’s hope that both parties can find a way to overcome their differences and continue negotiations for the greater good.
