The Pakistan government has decided to form a committee to negotiate with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to Barrister Aqeel Malik, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Law and Justice. The members of the committee are expected to be announced by the weekend.
The initiative comes in response to escalating tensions between the ruling government and PTI, primarily over the latter’s demands for releasing political prisoners and setting up a judicial commission to investigate key events from May 9 and November 26, 2023.
PTI’s Demands and Threat of Civil Disobedience
PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan previously issued a deadline for meeting his demands by December 14, warning of a civil disobedience movement otherwise.
Key demands include:
- The release of individuals facing trial.
- Formation of an impartial judicial commission.
Khan also established a five-member PTI negotiation team, comprising key figures such as:
- Omar Ayub Khan, National Assembly Opposition Leader.
- Ali Amin Gandapur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister.
- Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman.
- Salman Akram Raja, PTI Secretary-General.
- Asad Qaiser, PTI MNA.
Government’s Negotiation Plan
Barrister Aqeel Malik confirmed on Dawn News that the government is preparing its own negotiation team and will consult coalition partners for input. He stated, “We are seeking input from our allies to ensure inclusivity in the decision-making process.”
While specific names have not been disclosed, the committee will reportedly consist of senior government and coalition leaders. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has offered his office as a venue for the negotiations.
Addressing Coalition Dynamics
Concerns over strained relations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) were dismissed by Barrister Aqeel, who assured that the government is engaging its coalition partner. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar is leading discussions to address the PPP’s concerns, with further meetings scheduled.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari chaired a meeting in Karachi to review the political landscape and the government’s response to PTI’s demands.
Balancing Dialogue and Legal Challenges
Adviser Rana Sanaullah reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue, emphasizing support from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the establishment. However, he noted that political negotiations and legal cases, such as the GBP 190 million case against Imran Khan, should be treated separately.
PTI’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram criticized media narratives that questioned the party’s seriousness about negotiations. He emphasized that PTI’s focus is on meaningful dialogue to address their specific demands.
Looking Ahead
As both parties prepare for negotiations, the success of the dialogue will depend on mutual willingness to address contentious issues like political prisoners and judicial accountability. The announcement of the government’s committee is eagerly awaited, as the political landscape continues to shift in Pakistan.
