The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the end of its negotiations with the government, citing a lack of cooperation and failure to announce a judicial commission as key reasons.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, disclosed that PTI Founder Imran Khan made the decision to end the negotiations after the government refused to form a three-judge commission to investigate the May 9, 2023, violent incidents.
“Negotiations cannot proceed unless a three-member judicial commission is formed,” Gohar stated. He emphasized that the PTI had entered talks with the hope of resolving issues, but had to discontinue due to the government’s alleged unwillingness to cooperate.
He further stressed that negotiations could continue if a commission was formed, adding that his party wanted the talks to succeed. He also said that Imran Khan had reiterated his commitment to pursuing efforts to talk under the framework of the Constitution and law. Barrister Gohar further revealed that the PTI plans to join hands with all opposition parties to continue their struggle for justice and accountability.
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Gohar attempted to make it clear that Imran Khan has insisted they were not awaiting external assistance and will focus on constitutional avenues to achieve their goals.
Following the announcement, Senator Faisal Vawda told Samaa TV that he had predicted long ago that these were not negotiations, but a joke, reminding that he had already stated the negotiations would remain inconclusive.
"These people have been enjoying for two years. I had already said that even the Trump card will not work," he reiterated, adding that the PTI was creating a drama, with the government continuing to run and the PTI claiming all privileges.
"Problems are increasing for the PTI founder," Vawda claimed.
On Wednesday, speaking in the Samaa TV show, 'Nadeem Malik Live', Vawda had expressed scepticism about the talks between the government and PTI, stating that they were unlikely to produce any meaningful outcomes. He had highlighted the lack of progress and dismissed the possibility of forming a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of November 26 and May 9.
“No commission will be formed on the incidents of November 26 and May 9,” Vawda remarked. He further added, “They will demand to start investigations from 2014 or even earlier, turning this into a never-ending cycle. The negotiations will stall from the very first day.”
On Wednesday, the government’s negotiation committee convened in the National Assembly speaker's chamber under the chairmanship of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to deliberate on the formation of the Judicial Commission on May 9, 2023 incidents, as demanded by the PTI, and respond to the opposition’s demands.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar briefed the committee on critical legal points, including a legal opinion on the commission's formation.
According to sources, the government committee agreed to formulate a strategy based on the legal advice provided. A follow-up meeting with both the government and opposition negotiation committees had been scheduled for January 28 to discuss the next steps.
Also Read: PTI asks govt to form commission for holding next round of talks
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar highlighted legal aspects surrounding the Judicial Commission’s formation and its implications. Detailed consultations were held, focusing on the opposition’s letter and its legal considerations.
Irfan Siddiqui's updates
The government's negotiation committee spokesperson, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spoke to the media after the session. He said the committee was scheduled to meet again on Thursday after a detailed consultation. "A response to the opposition's demands will be prepared in the next meeting based on the legal advice," he added.
Also Read: PTI-govt talks: Fourth round scheduled for Jan 28 amidst charter of demands review
Irfan Siddiqui also confirmed to Samaa TV, "We have informed the speaker to convene the next meeting on January 28. Whether a commission will be formed or not will be decided on January 28. Speculations should be avoided until then."
Barrister Gohar's reaction
On the other hand, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has said that if there is no progress on forming a judicial commission, there will be no fourth round of negotiations. In his media talk outside Adiala Jail, the PTI chairman said three meetings had been held between both sides, and they discussed all the points.
"The government negotiation committee asked for our written demands, and we gave them," he remarked, adding that party Founder Imran Khan has instructed that if there is progress on the judicial commission, then they will move towards the fourth round of talks, otherwise, "That is it".
