ISLAMABAD: SIC Chief Confirms PTI Ready for Third Round of Talks, Expects Judicial Commission Progress
Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza announced on Sunday that the opposition’s negotiation team is prepared for a third round of dialogue with the government. However, he emphasized the need for tangible progress on the opposition’s demand for a judicial commission ahead of the talks.
Speaking to the media after meeting PTI Chairman Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Raza stated that the PTI negotiation committee had expressed its willingness to resume discussions with the government. PTI leaders Omer Ayub and Asad Qaiser were also present at the meeting.
Raza stressed the importance of forming a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26, which remain contentious issues. “There has been no substantive progress in the talks so far,” he said. “We expect concrete steps to be taken in the upcoming meeting.”
The SIC chief revealed that Imran Khan has authorized Omar Ayub, head of the PTI negotiation committee, to sign the charter of demands, affirming that Khan will not directly handle executive decisions.
Stalled Negotiations
The dialogue process, which began in late December, has seen little progress on key matters, including the establishment of a judicial commission and the release of PTI detainees. Both the ruling coalition and the opposition have accused each other of derailing negotiations and lacking sincerity.
Raza reiterated the opposition’s stance on an independent and impartial judicial commission. “We are not seeking judges of our choice but rather the most senior judges of the Supreme Court to lead the commission,” he said. “If the government fails to establish the commission, the talks will stall, and January 31 remains our deadline.”
Political Tensions and Legal Cases
Raza also commented on the 190-million-pound reference case, asserting that neither Imran Khan nor his family benefited from the case. He warned that the case’s outcome could strain negotiations further.
Meanwhile, tensions between the PTI and the government remain high. Since Imran Khan’s arrest last year, PTI protests have frequently turned violent following confrontations with security forces. The party’s “Final Call” rally last month heightened tensions, with the government denying PTI’s claims of fatalities among its supporters.
Speaker’s Role in Facilitating Talks
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called for constructive and respectful dialogue between the government and opposition to achieve meaningful outcomes. According to an official statement, Sadiq has provided a neutral forum to both sides and is actively facilitating negotiations with sincerity.
The statement highlighted Sadiq’s efforts to bring the two sides together, noting, “It is his success that those who once refused to engage are now sitting at the same table.” It urged all parties to use this opportunity to work for the country’s progress.
As political tensions continue, the outcome of the third round of talks will determine the future of the government-opposition relationship and the broader political landscape.
