Khan greenlights talks with Pakistan govt, sets strict 'timeframe'

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved dialogue between his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the government, with a firm directive to conclude talks swiftly and focus on key demands.

The decision was communicated during a meeting at Adiala Jail on Tuesday. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar confirmed Khan’s conditional approval after meeting him.

“Khan emphasized wrapping up talks promptly and adhering to two core demands: the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and the November 26 D-Chowk operation,” Gohar told Nukta.

PTI’s demands

The PTI plans to formally present its demands to the government on January 2, 2025. Khan also directed that only the party’s Chairman, Secretary General, and Information Secretary should address international concerns, particularly regarding the military trials of PTI workers.

“Khan did not address withdrawing the civil disobedience call,” Gohar added. He noted that while scheduling conflicts delayed a meeting with the government team, PTI’s negotiation committee will reconvene with Khan at Adiala Jail ahead of the January 2 session.

An unnamed PTI leader revealed that Khan appointed Sahibzada Hamid Raza as spokesperson for the negotiation team. “Do not let the government dilute the focus of the talks,” Khan reportedly instructed party leaders, reiterating his opposition to military trials.

Legal developments

Meanwhile, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) rejected an application by Khan, Omar Ayub, and Fawad Chaudhry seeking CCTV footage of December 5 court proceedings.

Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the footage was under the Punjab Home Department’s jurisdiction, advising the applicants to approach the department directly.

In related cases, the ATC indicted former MNA Bilal Ahmed in the General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case and declared two others as proclaimed offenders.

Dialogue progress

A first round of talks between government and opposition committees, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, took place on Monday. The two-hour session ended on a “positive note,” with both sides expressing goodwill and agreeing to continue discussions.

Civil disobedience looms

In a separate meeting with lawyers, Khan reaffirmed his conditions for dialogue, warning that PTI’s civil disobedience movement would proceed if demands were ignored. However, he hinted that the movement could be delayed if the government meets PTI’s conditions.