PTI Refuses Talks Despite Efforts by NA Speaker
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declined to partake in a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, despite National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s attempts to initiate a dialogue with the opposition, as per reports from Express News.
Sadiq personally reached out to Leader of the Opposition and PTI’s negotiation committee head Omar Ayub via phone call, extending an invitation for the party to engage in discussions. He emphasized the significance of resolving political disputes through dialogue and urged PTI to join the talks.
“Dialogue and negotiations are the only way to resolve issues. Solutions can be found through meaningful discussions,” Sadiq reportedly conveyed to Ayub.
Nevertheless, Ayub informed the speaker about PTI’s decision, influenced by party founder Imran Khan, to boycott the meeting. He pointed out the government’s failure to address PTI’s demands and accused it of employing delaying tactics.
“The government has been stalling on our demands. Without the formation of a judicial commission, there can be no progress in negotiations,” Ayub expressed to Sadiq.
Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced the party’s refusal to engage in talks with the government on Tuesday, asserting that the decision had been officially communicated.
PTI clarified that without the establishment of the judicial commission, there would be no further advancement in negotiations. The party firmly believes that the commission’s formation is crucial to addressing their concerns and advancing discussions.
“We had given a seven-day deadline regarding the talks. We will not attend tomorrow’s meeting with the government and have informed the secretary and speaker about our decision,” Barrister Gohar added.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, government’s negotiation committee spokesperson, issued a warning on Monday that the committee would disband if PTI boycotted the fourth round of talks.
During an interview with a local news channel, Siddiqui criticized PTI’s stance as “illogical,” highlighting that the party took six weeks to present its demands, while the ruling coalition only required seven working days to present a written response.
“In the joint declaration, seven working days are explicitly mentioned,” he clarified. Siddiqui reaffirmed that the government’s response to PTI’s demands, including the formation of the judicial commission, would be provided in the upcoming round of talks scheduled for January 28.
Siddiqui also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to update him on the ongoing negotiations. The premier emphasized the significance of dialogue among political parties, describing it as the cornerstone of democracy.
“Contacts and negotiations help prepare joint strategies to resolve issues facing the country,” PM Shehbaz stated. He criticized PTI’s avoidance of dialogue as an undemocratic approach that fosters division and weakens national unity.
The PM called for unity and mutual understanding to address crucial challenges such as economic recovery and counterterrorism efforts.
He cautioned against hindering Pakistan’s progress through undemocratic behavior, adding that the country is advancing towards recovery and global recognition.
