PTI Accuses Government of Stalling Talks Due to Inflexibility
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has accused the government of derailing negotiations through its rigid approach, according to Express News.
During a press conference on Thursday, Akram stated, “Talks have stalled due to the government’s stubbornness. While we are being asked to submit our demands in writing, our stance has always been consistent.”
He highlighted that PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, despite facing significant challenges, has repeatedly opened the door for dialogue. “Our demand is straightforward: grant us access to our chairman,” Akram urged.
He criticized the government for barring Khan from meeting his legal team and supporters for over three months. “Even his lawyers are denied access,” Akram said, adding that the government shows no willingness to take the party’s demands seriously, despite PTI’s commitment to dialogue.
Akram noted that during the third round of discussions, Khan had emphasized the need for forming a judicial commission. “If they can’t even arrange a single meeting between our committee and Khan, how will they address larger issues?” he questioned.
Condemning Khan’s treatment in prison, Akram described it as harsh and inhumane. “He’s confined in a dead cell designed for terrorists, with no access to basic amenities like TV, washrooms, or visits,” he alleged, calling claims of adequate facilities a facade.
He further criticized the government for ignoring court orders to allow Khan to communicate with his children.
Drawing comparisons, Akram accused the government of granting favorable treatment to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif during his incarceration. “In Adiala Jail, Nawaz was even consulted about his meal preferences,” he remarked.
Mocking the government’s concerns, Akram said, “Are you losing sleep over what might happen if our chairman is released?”
