Negotiations with the Government: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Presents Two Demands Release of Imran Khan and other prisoners, as well as the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9 and November 26.

ISLAMABAD  (   WEB  NEWS  )

The second round of talks between the negotiating committees of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government to reduce political tension has concluded at the Parliament House, where PTI presented demands for the release of Imran Khan and other prisoners, as well as the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9 and November 26. The meeting was chaired by National Assembly Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq.

After the meeting, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said that the opposition would present a charter of demands, and although PTI leaders raised their demands, they needed more time for consultation with Imran Khan. He mentioned that the third round of talks would take place next week, following the procedures of the previous round. Senator Irfan Siddiqui will read out the joint press release, and the atmosphere during the meeting was even more cordial than before.

Ayaz Sadiq praised the suggestions made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, noting that everyone had decided to discuss matters for the betterment of Pakistan.

The spokesperson for the negotiating committee, Irfan Siddiqui, told the media that PTI’s committee had informed them that they needed the opportunity to meet with PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail to consult with him and seek his guidance before presenting the written charter of demands.

Irfan Siddiqui stated that the opposition had confirmed that Imran Khan had authorized the initiation of the negotiations and that his guidance was crucial for continuing the talks in a positive manner. The PTI committee, after consulting with Imran Khan, will present the charter of demands in the next meeting in written form.

On the government side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that they had expected PTI to present its demands in writing in today’s meeting to advance the negotiation process. He expressed no objection to the PTI committee meeting with Imran Khan for guidance before presenting the charter of demands, so both committees can proceed smoothly with the talks.

According to the issued statement, it was decided that after the PTI committee’s meeting with Imran Khan, the time for the third round of talks between both committees will be decided next week. The government’s parliamentary party was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah, MQM Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar, Federal Minister for Privatization Aliem Khan, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, as well as PPP’s National Assembly members Naveed Qamar and Raja Pervez Ashraf.

On the opposition side, the committee included Leader of the Opposition, Omar Ayub, National Assembly member Asad Qaiser, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, MWMP head Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, and STUI Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza. National Assembly members Ijaz ul Haq, Khalid Hussain Magsi, and Federal Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan also attended the meeting.

During the second session of the negotiating committee, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq formally opened the meeting, saying that some members had been absent during the first round, but the initial meeting was held in a very good and cordial atmosphere. He added that the matters discussed in the first meeting had been implemented, and his role as a facilitator was emphasized.

Ayaz Sadiq noted, “We are all Pakistanis, and the welfare of our country is our responsibility. Through negotiations, we will reduce tensions and improve the environment. I hope the parties involved in the negotiations will proceed positively.” He also mentioned his efforts to bring critical issues such as terrorism and the economy under consideration in this committee.

Prior to the meeting, PTI’s National Assembly member Sher Afzal Marwat raised the issue of pardoning the sentences of 19 individuals involved in the May 9 events, saying that PTI’s complete expectations now rest on the negotiations. He further emphasized that political instability and uncertainty in the country should end.

Speaking to the media before the meeting, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub stated that their demands for talks were clear, including the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of November 26 and May 9, 2023. He emphasized that the dialogue must take place, as they are politicians, not military personnel, and they are negotiating under the principle of necessity.

Earlier, before negotiating with the government committee, a PTI delegation consulted with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. One of the members of the PTI negotiating committee, Salman Akram Raja, along with Barrister Ali Zafar, met with Imran Khan to discuss the final consultations before the talks. After the meeting, Salman Akram Raja and Barrister Ali Zafar left for Islamabad from Adiala Jail.

In an informal conversation with journalists outside Adiala Jail, Salman Akram Raja expressed that they were standing firm on their position and were optimistic about the success of the negotiations.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) requested the government on Thursday to grant more time so it could consult party founder Imran Khan on a final list of talks as the third round of talks between both sides was set for next week.

In particular, he pointed out that CM Gandapur had given very commendable suggestions and advice and “poured out his heart”. “The most beautiful result of all this was that everyone decided to sit down and talk on Pakistan’s betterment, whether about the economy, terrorism or any other issue.”

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed satisfaction over talks being held in “more conducive environment”, saying that the former ruling party would present its “charter of demands” in next session after meeting its founder Imran Khan.

Reading out the joint statement, Senator Irfan Siddiqui said the opposition presented its point of view in detail and demanded the release of Imran Khan and other PTI leaders and supporters, along with a judicial commission on the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.

He said the party also requested that it be allowed to meet Imran in Adiala Jail to consult him on the final charter of demands. He said that as per the PTI, Imran had given his permission to begin the talks and thus his instructions were necessary for their continuation. “The PTI said that the charter of demands will be presented in the next meeting in definitive written form.”

Irfan Siddiqui said that FM Dar told the opposition the government had no issue with the PTI committee meeting Imran for consultation on demands.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Omar Ayub Khan said, “Our agenda for the negotiations is clear. The release of under-trial political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023 and Nov 26.”

Terming the negotiations “necessary”, Ayub said the PTI would present its points. “Negotiations will happen. We will know the intentions of the government. We will see what happens,” he added.

The opposition leader further said, “We need to sit and talk with them, we’re politicians, not a commando force. This is a Form 47 government, we are talking with them out of necessity.” “We will talk to them without prejudice to our stance.”

Separately, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said earlier in the day that he was present “to facilitate the talks”. “I am getting positive feedback from both the opposition and the government,” he added.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting, he said, “When they sit together today, then hopefully solutions to problems will be found.”

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the previous meeting had discussed the Charter of democracy and it would come up again in today’s talks. “These negotiations will end the bitterness and improve the situation.”

Speaking to a private TV channel in Parliament House before the meeting, KP CM Gandapur noted that their demands “are not present in writing” but relevant documents would be shared with the government team.

Responding to a question, he expressed optimism about positive progress in the negotiations. “[Goverment] committee has been formed, its existence proves that issues must be resolved,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Irfan Siddiqui — while speaking to a private TV channel— said that the government would look into the demands if presented in written form. “We will ask them how these demands can be fulfilled,” said Siddiqui, who is also a chairman of the government’s negotiation committee.

The senator added that how can the prisoners be released in the presence of the Constitution and law. “There is no such precedent in history that prisoners have been released by executive order,” he said, adding that the PTI was also in the government and if the release is possible, they “will definitely tell us”.

He noted that the former ruling party should guide the government on their demands and present a solution in light of the Constitution and law. “If they convince us, we will happily consider their demands,” he added.

Separately, PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Khan Marwat held a meeting with the NA speaker before the second round of talks between the government and the opposition.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq noted that “positive feedbacks” were coming from both sides, stressing that matters would be resolved when all sit on a negotiation table. “We all are Pakistanis… our priority is to speak for the betterment of the country and its people,” he added.

In response to a question, he said that the charter of democracy was discussed in the inaugural meeting, adding that the negotiations would “end the bitterness”. “We will definitely raise the issues being faced by the people […] charter of the economy will also be discussed,” he added.

“I’m here to facilitate […] the opposition and the government have to present their respective demands,” he added.

For his part, Marwat welcomed the military’s decision to pardon the 19 May 9 convicts, saying that PTI’s full expectations are with the ongoing negotiations. “We want political instability and uncertainty to end in the country.”