ISLAMABAD – Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Federal Defence Minister, has dismissed the negotiation efforts with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling the process a “joke” and claiming that no communication has been received from PTI.
Speaking to the media outside the National Assembly, Asif stated that he had just inquired with his colleagues who were involved in the negotiation process, and they confirmed that PTI had not contacted them. He further emphasized that if PTI wishes to begin discussions, they must reach out to the government first, with the process starting through the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Asif also noted that PTI’s approach towards negotiations should be evaluated in the context of their actions and rhetoric before November 26. He stressed that no shift in PTI’s tone has been observed, and that for negotiations to succeed, there must be a shift towards respectful language and a softer tone.
He concluded by stating that the PTI founder should take the initiative in talks, as no other figure within the party holds significant influence for such a process.
