Govt rules out talks with PTI amid civil disobedience threats
The government has firmly rejected any possibility of negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing threats of civil disobedience as a significant hurdle. The development comes after PTI founder Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, warned of launching a nationwide civil disobedience movement unless his demands are met.
Imran Khan, in a post on X, demanded a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023 riots and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters. He also called for the release of political prisoners and announced a five-member negotiation committee comprising prominent PTI leaders Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser.
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However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday, ruled out talks under duress. “For the first time, a pleasant breeze came from the opposition, but talks cannot be held at gunpoint,” he remarked.
The government maintains that PTI’s civil disobedience threats create an environment that is not conducive to dialogue. Asif also criticized the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for prioritizing marches on Islamabad instead of addressing local security issues like the Kurram clashes.
“It is the provincial government’s responsibility to establish peace and law within their region,” Asif emphasized, adding that “political responsibilities come after constitutional ones.”
The defence minister termed PTI’s negotiation committee “meaningless,” saying its formation lacked sincerity. He also condemned PTI’s failure to acknowledge the sacrifices of security personnel during recent protests. “Who martyred the security officials? There should be no selection in condemnation,” he asserted.
Recalling his own imprisonment, Khawaja Asif spoke about resilience, stating, “I spent twelve nights on the prayer rug in 6°C without a blanket, but I did not beg. Politicians should display tolerance.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s aide on political affairs, Rana Sanaullah, reiterated that the government is open to negotiations but rejected PTI’s tone and approach. Speaking in the National Assembly, Sanaullah pointed out that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s office serves as a neutral venue for any talks.
“It is as much yours as it is ours,” he said, referring to Sadiq’s neutrality. He emphasized that the parliamentary system cannot function unless the Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition engage in dialogue.
Sanaullah expressed regret that serious government efforts to initiate talks had not materialized. “Special permissions were granted to PTI leaders to meet Imran Khan and begin negotiations, but those efforts went in vain,” he added.
Despite the government’s stance, PTI lawmakers have expressed a willingness for dialogue but insist they will not “beg” for negotiations. Sher Afzal Marwat emphasized that any talks must start with a clear Terms of Reference (TORs).
Meanwhile, PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan condemned the government’s handling of peaceful protests in Islamabad. “If you think you can run the country by excluding Imran Khan, try it,” he warned, criticizing the administration’s approach to dissent.
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