PTI sets Jan 31 timeframe for 'logical conclusion' of talks with govt

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) negotiation committee has set January 31, 2025, as the deadline to conclude ongoing discussions with the government, emphasizing demands for a judicial probe into the May 9 riots, the November 26 crackdown, and the release of “political prisoners.”

“PTI founder is prepared to forgive all personal grievances for the greater good of Pakistan,” said Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza while addressing journalists after meeting the imprisoned ex-prime minister.

During the meeting, PTI negotiators briefed founder of PTI on the first round of talks, which were held earlier this week, and sought his input on the party’s strategy moving forward.

After months of heightened political tensions, the PTI and the government finally initiated formal dialogue, with the inaugural meeting attended by prominent figures from both sides.

The government delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, and MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar. PTI was represented by former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and MWM leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

The next session is scheduled for January 2, where PTI will present its demands in writing. These talks come in the wake of PTI’s warning of a civil disobedience movement if their demands — including the release of political prisoners, PTI founder’s release, and a judicial commission for investigating key incidents — are not fulfilled.

Previously, PTI founder urged his supporters to initiate a civil disobedience campaign, starting with withholding remittances.

Addressing the media, Hamid Raza criticized authorities for allegedly torturing PTI workers, violating the sanctity of homes, and stealing the party’s mandate during the February 8 general elections. He confirmed that the remittance boycott would continue as part of the first phase of the movement.

Raza also stated that PTI negotiator Omar Ayub would inform the government about the January 31 deadline during the upcoming session. Additionally, he highlighted Khan’s willingness to move past personal grievances, including an assassination attempt, for Pakistan’s well-being.

Raza expressed PTI’s confidence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with PTI founder praising parliamentarians for their resilience against alleged fascism. PTI founder also discussed resolving the Kurram issue with CM Gandapur and MWM chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

Reiterating PTI’s demands, Raza dismissed allegations that the party orchestrated the May 9 riots, instead calling for an impartial judicial investigation and release of relevant CCTV footage. He also demanded a probe into the November 26 crackdown, which reportedly resulted in 13 fatalities and 64 injuries.

Raza clarified that PTI seeks Khan’s release through legal and constitutional means, not as part of any deal. The first round of talks ended with the government agreeing to consult the incarcerated PTI founder, who has been imprisoned in Adiala Jail for over a year.

The ongoing discussions follow PTI’s announcement of a civil disobedience movement if its demands remain unmet.

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