Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan on Friday said that talks with the government have been suspended by party founder Imran Khan due to the government’s dissatisfaction in meeting the demands of the party.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Gohar explained that the PTI had made two specific demands, but no steps had been taken to set up judicial committees within the agreed deadline of seven days.
“Imran Khan has put the talks on hold, but at least the government could announce that the commission is in process,” he said while taking reporters.
He stressed that seven days were enough to announce the formation of the Commission.
Gohar stated that PTI might reconsider the talks if the government moves forward with forming a commission to probe the May 9 and November 26 incidents.
He added that Imran Khan had given a timeline of seven days for the announcement, which he argued was enough to demonstrate the government’s sincerity.
“The lack of progress exposes their true intentions,” Gauhar declared, reiterating PTI’s willingness to engage in talks with an open heart.
Yesterday, former Prime Minister Imran Khan called off negotiations with the government, citing its inability to form a judicial commission within the agreed seven-day period.
The announcement was made by PTI president Barrister Gohar Ali Khan after meeting Imran Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where the party founder has been detained for over a year.
Speaking to reporters, Barrister Gohar said, “The founder of PTI has categorically announced that there will be no further rounds of negotiations. The government’s failure to follow through on its commitments leaves no reason to continue talks.”
The government and the PTI had started talks in late December to reduce political tensions, holding three sessions with little progress.
PTI’s demands included forming two judicial commissions to investigate the May 9 riots and events during the protests in November 2024, as well as releasing political prisoners.
Judicial commissions, according to PTI, should comprise three senior judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts, with proceedings open to the public and media.
The government has criticized PTI’s “rigid attitude”, with Rana Sanaullah, an aide to the prime minister, stating: “Negotiations are not a decree.” Speaker NA Ayaz Sadiq also emphasized the need for compromise, warning that progress requires flexibility from both sides.
