Pakistan Defence Minister Questions Practicality Of Talks With PTI

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has questioned the practicality of initiating talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amidst the party’s protests demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, as reported by Geo News. Asif pointed out that Khan himself has expressed a lack of trust in his own party leaders.

In a discussion on Geo News’ program “Naya Pakistan,” Asif asked, “Where will such negotiations lead?” and noted that the sudden push for talks had left people surprised.

Additionally, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticized PTI for its contradictory stance—calling for negotiations while advocating for civil disobedience. “You cannot shake hands with one hand while holding a sword in the other,” Siddiqui remarked, stating that PTI cannot seek concessions while planning civil disobedience.

Earlier, PTI backtracked from its previous stance on negotiations, with several party leaders clarifying that formal talks had not yet started. They stated that the process would only begin once party founder Imran Khan gave his approval.

Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Rana Sanaullah remarked that the government had not received any official communication from PTI regarding the start of talks, despite PTI’s claims of establishing a negotiations committee.

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On December 11, the ruling PML-N and PTI had agreed to open formal communication channels, aiming to replace confrontation with constructive dialogue to address longstanding issues and enhance political stability. This decision followed a meeting between PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Salman Akram Raja and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to offer condolences for his sister’s death.