On Sunday, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza stated that the opposition’s negotiation committee is prepared for a third round of talks with the government. However, Raza emphasized that meaningful progress on their demand for a judicial commission must be achieved before the meeting takes place.
Negotiations between the government and the PTI began in late December to ease political tensions. Yet, despite several weeks of discussions, little progress has been made on key issues, such as the formation of a judicial commission and the release of PTI prisoners.
While the dialogue has resumed after months of deadlock, accusations have continued between the government and the opposition, with each side blaming the other for hindering progress. Speaking after a meeting with PTI leader Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Raza, alongside PTI leaders Omer Ayub and Asad Qaiser, reiterated the opposition’s readiness for further negotiations. However, he stressed that the government must show progress on establishing a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26.
Raza pointed out the lack of advancement in the talks so far, and stressed that the government must show concrete progress in the upcoming meeting. He insisted that the issue of the judicial commission should be a central topic, and clarified that the opposition is not asking for a judge of their choosing but rather a senior, independent Supreme Court judge to lead the commission.
Raza urged the government to demonstrate the authority it has claimed by forming the commission. If the government fails to take action, Raza warned that the negotiations would not proceed further, with a final deadline of January 31 set for progress.
Earlier, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called for constructive and respectful dialogue between the government and the opposition to reach a positive outcome. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of both sides to make the most of the opportunity for dialogue. The Speaker has been facilitating discussions, offering more time for the opposition, and has been credited with helping bring opposing parties to the negotiating table.
Tensions between the PTI and the government have been high since Imran Khan’s incarceration, which has strained the party’s relationships with both the government and the establishment. The PTI has staged numerous protests, many of which turned violent, particularly after the government cracked down on demonstrations. Following the PTI’s recent power show, tensions escalated further, with renewed calls to ban the party. However, after Imran Khan established a committee for talks, the government formed its own negotiating team.
