Round 3 of talks: 'Good news' expected amid Pakistan's political standoff

The third round of talks between Pakistan's government and the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is scheduled for Thursday (tomorrow), with the release of PTI chief Imran Khan emerging as a major sticking point.

PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that the party would present its demands in writing. “Imran Khan is a political prisoner; he should be released now. Hopefully, good news will be announced tomorrow,” he said.

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister, has been in jail since his conviction in a corruption case in August 2023. The PTI has consistently maintained that his imprisonment is politically motivated and a violation of democratic principles.

National Assembly spokesperson Zafar Sultan confirmed that the meeting would be held in Parliament House, presided over by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Gohar expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating, “All the problems will be resolved if the government sits with good intentions and seriousness.”

Gohar also reiterated the PTI’s demands, including the release of political prisoners and the dismissal of corruption cases against Khan. “PTI supporters have been languishing in jails for nearly two years,” he said, referring to the aftermath of the May 9, 2023 riots when military installations across Pakistan were ransacked, leading to the detention of hundreds of party supporters.

On the government’s side, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the negotiation committee, criticized the PTI for delays in submitting their written demands. “The PTI had promised to put its demands in writing during the first meeting on December 23. Despite more than three weeks passing, none of their writings have come to us yet,” he said.

Siddiqui assured that once the demands are received, the committee would consult with its leadership and legal advisors before formulating a response. “Then we will all sit together. We will consult with our lawyers and then give our reaction to the PTI,” he explained.

Addressing the broader context, Siddiqui emphasized that the government’s proposals would focus on the nation’s interests rather than specific individuals. “We do not have any demands, but there may be some suggestions regarding the country and the nation. These belong to Pakistan, not to any specific person or political party,” he said.

The first two rounds of talks ended without resolution, with both sides unable to bridge their differences.