In response to a seven-day ultimatum issued by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan, the government has taken steps to address the demands raised by the opposition party. Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated, has called for the continuation of talks with the government, but only if certain conditions are met, including forming a judicial commission to investigate events from May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024. In light of these developments, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, announced that a sub-committee had been formed by the government’s negotiation committee to respond to PTI’s list of demands.
The announcement came after a meeting of the government’s negotiation committee, which was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The meeting took place at Speaker Sadiq’s office, and after attending the session, Rana Sanaullah informed reporters that the sub-committee would be working to evaluate the PTI’s demands and draft a formal response. He emphasized that the government’s response would be shared during the next meeting between the two sides.
The formation of the sub-committee is seen as a significant step in the ongoing dialogue between the government and PTI, as the opposition party continues to press for action on its various demands. The subcommittee’s role will be to carefully review PTI’s requests and determine the government’s stance on them. Rana Sanaullah further clarified that the government would respond in writing to PTI’s demands, which could include key issues such as the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the two major events, as well as the release of imprisoned PTI leaders and supporters.
Regarding the seven-day ultimatum issued by Imran Khan, Rana Sanaullah noted that while PTI had the right to make statements and take actions independently, the government would present its official response in the next meeting. The deadline has created a sense of urgency, as both sides are under pressure to resolve before the expiration of the seven days. While PTI has been vocal about its demands, particularly the formation of a judicial commission, the government has not yet made any final decisions regarding these issues.
In the latest round of negotiations, the government has reiterated that it will respond to PTI’s demands after the seven-day period concludes. This period will allow the government’s sub-committee to fully assess PTI’s position and come up with a response that addresses the opposition party’s concerns. The government has also stated that it is open to further meetings and discussions, with another session scheduled for the following day to continue deliberations on PTI’s demands.
On the issue of the judicial commission, PTI has been insistent on the need for an independent inquiry into the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024. These events have been a major point of contention between the government and PTI, with the opposition party seeking a formal investigation to determine accountability and responsibility. PTI’s demands also include the release of political prisoners, including the party’s leadership, and other members currently in jail. PTI’s spokesperson, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, recently reaffirmed the party’s stance, stating that if the government did not form a judicial commission as demanded, PTI would halt the ongoing dialogue process.
While the government has yet to take a final position on PTI’s request for a judicial commission, Rana Sanaullah has assured the public that PTI would be informed of the government’s decision regarding the issue. He further emphasized that the ongoing dialogue process was a positive development and that meetings would continue as part of the negotiation efforts.
Another key figure in the government’s negotiation efforts, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spoke about the most recent meeting between the two sides, confirming that no final decision had been made regarding the creation of a judicial commission. He noted that the government’s negotiation committee, which included representatives from seven ruling parties, had thoroughly reviewed PTI’s demands, but no consensus had been reached on the formation of the judicial commission. Despite this, Siddiqui described the meeting as productive and constructive, with both sides engaging in comprehensive discussions. He stated that further meetings would take place to continue the dialogue and work towards a resolution.
In addition to the demands regarding the judicial commission, PTI has also presented a list of other issues for discussion, including concerns about the political situation in the country and the treatment of PTI members. According to Siddiqui, the government has promised to provide a formal response to these issues after the seven-day deadline expires. The next meeting between the two sides is expected to be critical in determining the future of the talks and whether the two parties can find common ground.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has made it clear that the party will not continue the negotiations if its demands are not met. He has stressed that the party’s two main requests—namely the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and November 26 events, as well as the release of political prisoners—must be addressed for the dialogue process to move forward. Imran Khan’s comments have only added to the pressure on the government to respond swiftly and effectively to PTI’s demands.
Outside the parliament, PTI leaders have continued to voice their concerns about the government’s handling of the negotiations. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated the party’s position, emphasizing that the government must engage in the dialogue process with sincerity and seriousness. He also rejected allegations that PTI had sought foreign support to resolve its legal issues, stressing that the party’s focus remained on achieving justice through domestic channels.
As the deadline approaches, both sides are expected to intensify their efforts to resolve. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will have significant implications for the political landscape in Pakistan, as PTI and the government continue to grapple with their differences. With tensions high and both parties keen to protect their interests, it remains to be seen whether they can find a mutually agreeable solution to the current standoff.
In conclusion, the ongoing dialogue between the government and PTI is at a crucial juncture, with the formation of a sub-committee and the looming seven-day deadline creating an atmosphere of urgency. The government’s response to PTI’s demands will be crucial in determining the next steps in the negotiations, and both sides will be closely watching for any developments that could shape the future of this political impasse.
