PTI Raises Doubts Over Government’s Role in Dialogue Process
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has cast doubts over the ongoing dialogue process with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government, following the failure to arrange a meeting between imprisoned PTI chairman Imran Khan and the party’s negotiation committee. Despite earlier assurances, the meeting has yet to materialize, causing frustrations within PTI ranks.
The PTI leadership expressed concerns about the government’s inability to follow through on its commitments, raising questions about its authority to deliver on the dialogue’s objectives. Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI’s Information Secretary, criticized the government’s negotiation committee, stating that the delay has hampered progress and cast doubt on the government’s ability to meet PTI’s demands.
“If they can’t arrange a simple meeting in jail, how can they meet our demands, such as releasing PTI leaders, workers, or forming judicial commissions for the May 9 and November 26 incidents?” Akram questioned.
The PTI highlighted past instances where similar requests were promptly addressed, such as when Adiala Jail authorities opened their gates early to delay a PTI rally. The party now sees the delay in meeting Imran Khan as a sign of governmental inefficacy.
Despite this, PTI remains committed to the talks and awaits the government’s next move. Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, a member of PTI’s legal team, noted that the party’s negotiation team had been waiting for clearance to meet Imran Khan, but no progress was made despite assurances from jail authorities.
Chaudhry pointed out that since December 26, 2024, Imran Khan has been allowed only one meeting with party leaders in the past three months, describing the situation as an “unannounced ban” on his interactions.
The dialogue process, initiated on December 23, 2024, to ease tensions, has since stagnated. During two rounds of talks, the government asked PTI to submit written demands, while PTI insisted on finalizing its charter of demands only after meeting Imran Khan.
Both sides have accused each other of delays, and the talks have yet to yield substantial progress, leaving the political landscape uncertain.
