On Tuesday, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah addressed the National Assembly, inviting the PTI to officially initiate political discussions with the government, particularly in light of the party’s recent formation of a committee for talks.
The relationship between the PTI and the government, especially after Imran Khan’s imprisonment on multiple charges last year, has soured significantly. PTI has staged numerous protests over the past year, many of which escalated into violence due to state crackdowns. On November 24, Imran Khan called for nationwide protests, demanding the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of detained party members, and the reversal of the 26th Amendment, which he claimed strengthened a “dictatorial regime.” The protests led to clashes between PTI supporters and security forces, resulting in at least six deaths, including one police officer and three Rangers officials. Following this, Imran Khan formed a five-member committee to pursue negotiations with “anyone.”
During the National Assembly session, Sanaullah recalled that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had previously extended an invitation for dialogue, but the opposition, particularly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, had not responded positively. He emphasized that for the system to function properly, both the opposition leader and the leader of the house must engage in dialogue, likening it to two wheels of a vehicle that must both turn for forward movement.
Sanaullah also noted that PTI was offered a different venue, Sangjani, for their protest instead of D-Chowk but chose not to heed the offer, resulting in the loss of lives on both sides. He reiterated that despite cases against PML-N members, the party had still called for dialogue. He urged PTI to officially announce the formation of their committee and approach the government or PML-N for talks rather than making statements in media.
Responding to Sanaullah’s remarks, PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan appreciated the recognition of the loss of lives during the November 24 protest. He reiterated PTI’s demand for justice for those who died, emphasizing that they were not just PTI workers but Pakistani citizens, entitled to their rights under Article 9 of the Constitution, which guarantees protection against unlawful deprivation of life.
Ali Muhammad Khan also clarified that the PTI claimed 12 of its supporters had died during the protests, distancing the party from the exaggerated casualty figures circulating on social media. He personally visited the families of the deceased in Abbottabad and invited Information Minister Attaullah Tarar to meet with them.
On the subject of negotiations, Ali Muhammad Khan made it clear that PTI would not beg for talks, stating that if the government could run the country without releasing Imran Khan, they should continue doing so.
