Pakistan govt promises response to opposition demands within 7 days

Pakistan government and opposition negotiators made progress Thursday in their third round of talks, marked by an emerging consensus and expanded scope beyond initial demands for judicial inquiries into political unrest.

The talks revealed both progress and friction points. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan formally presented PTI's Charter of Demands, triggering detailed position statements from all participants. The opposition's request for an unrestricted prison meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan received government support, though the timing remains to be determined.

When PTI proposed joint consultation on selecting judges, government negotiators pushed back, insisting judge selection remains under Chief Justice's jurisdiction.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, who met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, emerged as a central mediator. He announced the next meeting for January 28 and secured government agreement for opposition leaders to meet imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan within five days.

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Sadiq significantly expanded the talks' scope, calling for joint committees on economic cooperation and counter-terrorism. He indicated framework discussions on these initiatives would continue in the next meeting, while noting participants' welcome of the Gaza ceasefire.

PTI demands received

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, speaking for the government committee, announced receipt of PTI's written demands and promised a response within seven working days after consulting coalition partners. Both sides expressed complete confidence in Sadiq's role as mediator.

Sadiq expressed optimism about the negotiations' direction, describing constructive discussions across multiple areas. The government committee's willingness to facilitate opposition meetings with Khan suggested potential for further progress, though significant differences remain to be bridged.

The evolving dialogue has moved beyond its initial focus on judicial commissions to investigate political unrest, though those demands remain central to PTI's position.

A key development was the prominent role of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who received unusual praise from both sides for his constructive approach. During the Parliament House proceedings, Gandapur stressed maintaining positive momentum while his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party pressed for immediate establishment of judicial commissions.

'Necessary' to move forward

Speaking to media after the talks, Gandapur emphasized that establishing inquiry commissions was essential for negotiations to continue. "It is necessary for Pakistan to move forward and prevent incidents like May 9 and November 26," he said.

Gandapur expressed his sincere commitment to the talks, saying "If I had doubts in my heart, I would not be a part of these negotiations." He also relayed Imran Khan's position, stating that Khan was negotiating for Pakistan's benefit.

The KP CM firmly maintained that the negotiations were not subject to external pressures. "These negotiations are not so that anyone can dictate to us what to do or not to do," he stated, while affirming that their political movement and election challenges would continue alongside talks.

'Negotiations do not mean relief'

In an exclusive interview with Nukta, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that all parties desire political stability in the country and believe issues should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.

He emphasized that these negotiations should not be interpreted as offering relief in corruption cases, stating firmly that there would be no compromise regarding embezzlement or matters already settled through legal proceedings.

The Information Minister acknowledged that while certain matters are pending in courts, the government remains committed to reaching amicable resolutions through dialogue.