Talks between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the ruling coalition, led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), are progressing slowly. The PTI is delaying the formal presentation of its demands, citing the need for instructions from its incarcerated founding chairman, Imran Khan, and awaiting the outcome of the £190 million reference scheduled for January 6.
Key Developments in the Talks
The second meeting between the two sides focused on PTI’s verbal demands, including:
- Immediate release of jailed PTI workers and Imran Khan.
- Formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and November 26 incidents.
- Access to Imran Khan for finalizing the charter of demands.
Background discussions indicate that the PTI is delaying submitting written demands to assess the government’s willingness to grant access to Imran Khan and to observe the outcome of the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) corruption reference against him and others.
Meeting Details and Attendees
The meeting took place at the Parliament House and was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
PTI Delegation:
- Ali Amin Gandapur (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister)
- Omar Ayub (Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly)
- Asad Qaiser (Former NA speaker)
- Sahibzada Hamid Raza (Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman)
- Allama Raja Nasir Abbas (Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leader)
- Salman Akram Raja (PTI secretary general)
Government Delegation:
- Ishaq Dar (Deputy Prime Minister)
- Rana Sanaullah (PM’s Adviser)
- Irfan Siddiqui (PML-N Senator)
- Raja Pervaiz Ashraf (PPP leader)
- Naveed Qamar (PPP leader)
- Dr. Farooq Sattar (MQM-P)
- Abdul Aleem Khan (IPP’s Minister for Privatisation)
- Khalid Hussain Magsi (BAP)
- Ijazul Haq (PML-Z)
Official Statements and Outcomes
An official statement revealed that the PTI reiterated its demands for the release of Imran Khan and other party members, emphasizing that the government should not obstruct bail processes. They also reiterated the demand for a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and November 26 incidents. The PTI committee stated that they require consultation with Imran Khan to finalize and present a formal charter of demands.
Ishaq Dar stated that the government expected the PTI to present its demands as agreed upon in the previous meeting but expressed no objection to the delay, allowing the PTI to consult with Imran Khan. The next meeting is scheduled for the following week after the PTI consults with Imran Khan.
Ayaz Sadiq praised the meeting’s positive atmosphere and encouraged continued constructive discussions, suggesting that national issues like terrorism and the economy should also be addressed.
Progress and Challenges
The talks began on December 23, 2024, with the aim of reducing political tensions. While the initiation of dialogue is a positive step, progress has been limited to verbal discussions in the initial meetings.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Focus | Release of Imran Khan and party members, investigation of May 9 & November 26 incidents. |
| Current Status | Awaiting PTI’s formal charter of demands after consulting with Imran Khan. |
The PTI’s softened stance in parliament and Imran Khan’s directive to form a negotiation team prompted the government to reciprocate. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding Imran Khan’s release and the upcoming verdict in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case.
| Case | Key Figure | Expected Outcome Date |
|---|---|---|
| £190 million Al-Qadir Trust | Imran Khan | January 6 |