PTI and Government hold crucial negotiations amid growing tensions

Islamabad: Negotiations between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government began on Thursday under the looming threat of protests by the former ruling party if the talks fail to meet their demands.

The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, took place at 11:30 AM at the Parliament House in Islamabad. The PTI committee, following instructions from their incarcerated leader Imran Khan, presented their demands in written form during this critical session.

Sources within the PTI have confirmed that the party’s demands were finalised after receiving comprehensive guidance from Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned. These include the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 26 protests. The PTI has set a deadline of January 31 for the talks to reach a “logical conclusion.”

On the government side, committee members expressed a commitment to the talks, emphasising their intentions to negotiate in good faith and promote political stability. However, government sources noted that once the PTI’s demands are on the table, they would need to consult their leadership before taking any further steps.

When questioned by Geo News about the possibility of significant progress before January 31, government sources remarked that if the PTI chooses to proceed with conditions, that would be their prerogative, but it remained unclear how this could lead to positive outcomes.

The talks come after months of heightened political tension between the PTI and the ruling coalition. This is the third round of negotiations, following the first meeting on December 27, 2024, and a second session on January 2, 2025. The PTI’s warning of potential protests highlights the urgency of reaching an agreement.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has expressed hope that the negotiations will conclude successfully, bringing good news for the country. However, the party has warned that if a judicial commission is not formed after this third round, the talks might collapse, and a fourth-round would be unlikely.