Pakistan govt forms special committee to review opposition's judicial inquiry demands

Pakistan's government formed a special committee on Monday to evaluate opposition's demands for judicial inquiries into alleged political persecution, marking a potential turning point in negotiations with the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The subcommittee's formation comes amid ongoing talks between Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the government, centered on PTI's demands for investigations into two periods of civil unrest that led to widespread arrests of party workers.

The government negotiation committee, meeting at Parliament House under National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, reviewed PTI's written demands, with Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar providing a detailed briefing. The attendees included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Aleem Khan, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Prime Minister's Advisor Rana Sanaullah, Dr. Farooq Sattar, Ijazul Haq, and Khalid Magsi.

After reviewing the opposition's written demands, submitted last Thursday, the government negotiation committee decided to prepare a formal response. The subcommittee will evaluate whether to establish judicial commissions to investigate the May 2023 riots and November 2024 protests. The committee has scheduled another meeting for Tuesday.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Senator Irfan Siddiqui described it as "highly productive". "No final decision has been made regarding the establishment of the Judicial Commission, as consultations are still ongoing," he said, adding that discussions would continue over the next two days.

Siddiqui explained that the fourth round of negotiations would commence after the completion of the seven working days promised by the government for reviewing PTI's demands.

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah announced that the subcommittee would prepare a comprehensive response to PTI's demands. The response will clarify the government's position on establishing judicial commissions, a key prerequisite set by PTI for continuing negotiations.

Dr. Farooq Sattar, a member of the government negotiation committee, declined to discuss specifics, emphasizing that confidentiality was crucial for advancing the negotiations. He confirmed preparations were underway for the fourth round of talks.

The subcommittee comprises the Law Minister, Attorney General, legal experts, and members of the government coalition. Its primary task will be evaluating PTI's demands for judicial commissions to investigate the May 2023 riots following Khan's arrest and the November 2024 protests that resulted in civilian casualties.

Previous rounds of talks

The development follows last week's breakthrough when both sides expanded talks beyond judicial inquiries to include economic and counter-terrorism cooperation. The government also agreed to allow opposition leaders to meet Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges that his party maintains are politically motivated.

The talks follow three previous rounds of negotiations since December. The first round on December 23 saw a PTI delegation led by Asad Qaiser meet with government officials at Parliament House, resulting in an agreement to allow PTI leaders to meet Khan in prison. The second round on January 2 stalled when PTI failed to present written demands, with Opposition Leader Omar Ayub insisting on consulting Khan before formalizing demands.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

The third round, held last Thursday, marked significant progress with PTI submitting its written charter of demands and both sides agreeing to expand discussions beyond judicial inquiries to include economic and counter-terrorism cooperation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emerged as a surprise unifying figure during these talks, receiving praise from both sides for his constructive approach.

The negotiations center on PTI's demands for the release of Khan, who has been imprisoned since his conviction in a corruption case in August 2023. His party maintains the charges are politically motivated. PTI is also seeking the establishment of two separate judicial commissions to investigate the May 2023 riots following Khan's arrest and the November 2024 protests that resulted in civilian casualties.