Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the government to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with other party leaders and workers currently incarcerated in various cases. In a statement, PTI also demanded the establishment of a judicial commission to thoroughly investigate the firing incidents that occurred during the party’s protests on May 9 and November 26, 2023.
The May 9 protests resulted in eight deaths and hundreds of injuries, while clashes between PTI workers and state law enforcement agencies on November 26 led to 12 PTI workers losing their lives and dozens more being injured.
In an effort to resolve the political standoff, the first meeting between a government-appointed committee and PTI representatives took place today (Monday). The meeting marks the beginning of long-awaited negotiations aimed at easing the political tension in the country. The session was presided over by Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The government’s committee was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM Advisor Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar. On the PTI side, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas attended. However, key PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Salman Akram Raja were unable to attend due to ongoing court proceedings.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq confirmed that the next round of talks is scheduled for January 2, during which PTI will present its “charter of demands.”
After the meeting, former Speaker Asad Qaiser addressed the media, stating that their first demand regarding a meeting between PTI leaders and Imran Khan had been approved. He added that additional demands would be included in the upcoming charter of demands.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza emphasized that PTI’s demands were within constitutional limits. “We are not seeking relief but are calling for fact-finding. We want a thorough investigation into the events of May 9 and November 26, and the release of political prisoners,” he said.
The dialogue between the government and PTI marks a critical step in resolving the political crisis, with both sides keen on finding common ground. The coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of these negotiations.
