ISLAMABAD:
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday said there had been no significant progress in negotiations between the government and the PTI, adding that the government was not obliged to come to the table with the opposition party.
He noted that the talks with the PTI have been limited to breaking the ice in a bid to ease political tensions, while it is hoped that there will be a silver lining in the next round.
The Defense Minister made these statements in a conversation with Express News’ Center Stage programme.
The PTI has put forward two demands: the formation of a judicial commission to get to the bottom of the events of May 9 and November 26, and the release of political prisoners, including its founding president Imran Khan.
Last month, Khan threatened to stir the pot by launching a civil disobedience movement if these demands were not met, but then put the plan on ice after consulting his aides.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee comprising members of the ruling coalition to hold negotiations with the PTI.
The decision followed a proposal by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in response to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar’s request to start talks.
Speaking to Express News programme, Asif claimed that there was no positive development in the talks between the government and the PTI. He clarified that until now the negotiation process had been limited to discussions.
We are engaging in negotiations to find a way to reduce political tension, he said, adding that tension is gradually easing.
Asif hopes there can be some progress in the next round of talks. He noted that the economy was improving and investment was flowing into Pakistan.
Asif denied rumors about the PTI founder’s transfer to Nathia Gali, stating that he had no knowledge of such an offer and described these claims as mere “marketing tactics”.
He stressed that cooperation between institutions, including the judiciary and other departments, was crucial to addressing the country’s challenges.
The Defense Minister blamed the “negligence” of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government for the unrest in Kurram district. He commented that if the PTI had managed to control the situation within its own province, the current situation in the region could have been avoided.
He claimed that Afghan citizens were “imported” during the tenure of former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and founder of PTI. He said the PTI had also tried to create instability in Islamabad and Punjab.
Asif also recalled the protests in Swat against the settlement of Afghan citizens. Most of the attackers are Afghans, he said.
When asked about KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s proposal to hold political talks with Afghanistan, Asif claimed that it was “merely a proposal” and he did not receive any response. He added that Pakistan is waging war against terrorism and making sacrifices.
The defense minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire to maintain normal relations with Afghanistan and coexist as good neighbors.
He highlighted that Pakistan has provided shelter to Afghan citizens and that seven million Afghan refugees still benefit from the country’s hospitality.
Asif emphasized that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used against Pakistan, regretting that it continues to serve as a base for attacks on Pakistani soil.
He called on the Afghan government to live up to its responsibilities, warning that its negligence was enabling perpetrators of violence in Pakistan.
Asif alleged that the PTI was grasping at straws and was now pinning its hopes on Washington’s support after the upcoming US presidential inauguration. However, he preferred to keep his mouth shut about whether that support would materialize.
