The spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, Irfan Siddiqui, talked to the media outside the Parliament House and addressed the uncertainty surrounding the fourth round of talks with the opposition.
“If the opposition committee does not attend, it will indicate their final decision to end negotiations,” Siddiqui stated. He further noted that if the meeting does not take place, the government committee will consult on the way forward, as “we cannot keep our seven-party alliance bound indefinitely.”
Siddiqui explained that the government’s negotiation committee is composed of representatives from seven political parties, and if the opposition refuses to participate, dissolving the committee may be considered.
He added that the demand for a commission had been thoroughly discussed within the government’s committee, with extensive consultations held with legal experts. Siddiqui also pointed out that during the first three meetings, the opposition never indicated that they would skip the fourth round of talks.
The fourth round of negotiations has been clouded with uncertainty as the opposition appears unwilling to engage, casting doubts on the future of the dialogue process.
Irfan Siddiqui, the spokesperson for the government negotiation committee, stated that it was not decided in the committee whether a commission would be formed before the fourth round of talks, nor was it mentioned in any official statement.
He emphasized that the PTI leadership had prematurely announced the demand for the creation of a commission.
Siddiqui clarified that the formation of the commission, or the adoption of an alternative mechanism, would be discussed within the committee, and it was still uncertain whether the commission would be established.
He questioned the approach of those insisting on creating a commission immediately, pointing out that negotiations follow a proper process and method, which perhaps the other side is unaware of.
Siddiqui concluded by reaffirming that political negotiations should be conducted by politicians, urging PTI leadership to understand this fundamental principle.
