Pakistan govt-opposition talks stall over written demands

The second round of negotiations between the government of Pakistan and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party failed to produce any results on Thursday, as the government requested written demands from PTI for the next session.

The meeting, held behind closed doors at Parliament House in Islamabad, was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. It aimed to build on the initial discussions held on December 23, where both sides had expressed optimism about resolving the political impasse.

The government delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Irfan Siddiqui, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Ijazul Haq, Khalid Magsi, Farooq Sattar, and Aleem Khan. PTI’s delegation was led by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and included KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

Key demands from PTI

PTI verbally presented two primary demands:

1. Formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26.
2. Release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and assurances that no further cases would be filed against party members.

Omar Ayub stated that PTI would finalize its demands in writing after consulting with Imran Khan. “Imran Khan has allowed this negotiation process to begin. His guidance is essential for its continuation,” Ayub said.

Govt’s response

Deputy PM Ishaq Dar noted that the government expected PTI to present written demands during the meeting. “This would help advance the negotiation process,” he said. However, he acknowledged PTI’s request for further consultation with Imran Khan.

Advisor Rana Sanaullah reaffirmed the government’s willingness to consider PTI’s demands. “Once PTI submits its written demands, all parties will consult their leaderships to provide a formal response,” he said. Dismissing speculation, Sanaullah added, “There is no pressure from the United States regarding Imran Khan’s release.”

Progress amid stalemate

The PTI delegation visited Imran Khan in prison between the first and second rounds to seek his advice. The party has set aside broader grievances, such as alleged election mandate theft, to focus on the immediate demands outlined during negotiations.

A joint statement issued after the meeting highlighted PTI’s call for a judicial commission to ensure transparency in uncovering facts related to the May 9 and November 26 incidents.

PTI also demanded the opportunity to meet and consult with Imran Khan before submitting a formal charter of demands. “This negotiation process is being conducted on Imran Khan’s instructions,” said KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Gandapur emphasized the sacrifices made by PTI workers for democracy. “Our workers have shed blood for true freedom. We hope these talks lead to democratic solutions,” he said.

Optimism from both sides

Political analyst Imtiaz Gul observed a shift in PTI’s strategy. “PTI appears to have prioritized forming a judicial commission and ending political cases over broader issues, which may indicate an understanding with the government,” he said.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui described the talks as progressing positively. “With PTI consulting Imran Khan, we expect written demands soon, allowing both sides to advance,” he stated.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the negotiations and confirmed that the date for the next session would be decided in consultation with both sides.

The committees agreed to hold the third round of talks next week after PTI’s internal consultations, with both sides expressing hope for a resolution to the political stalemate.