Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has accused senior government figures Maryam Nawaz and Khawaja Asif of deliberately trying to derail the ongoing negotiations.
Responding to recent comments made by the two leaders, Qaiser claimed that their statements were part of an effort to sabotage the dialogue process. “The way Khawaja Asif and Maryam Nawaz are talking, they are trying to block the negotiations by any means possible,” he told the media. “Then they accuse Imran Khan of tweeting.”
Qaiser emphasized that PTI members had been subjected to injustice, referring to the events of November 26, when party members were allegedly denied their basic rights and civilians were shot at by police.
He also pointed out the military courts’ handling of PTI supporters involved in the May 9 incidents, stating that military trials for civilians were unconstitutional.
“Despite these difficulties, the PTI remains a victim of this situation,” Qaiser said, reiterating that the party’s demands and complaints had been moderated to help move the country forward.
He urged the government to address the growing sense of desperation within the country, which he attributed to worsening border conditions and the fragile state of Pakistan’s economy.
Qaiser reiterated PTI’s commitment to the future of Pakistan and said, “We are taking a step forward for the good of the country. We are not afraid nor do we allow ourselves to be intimidated by anyone. If we have gone back on some of our demands, it is only for the good of Pakistan.”
Despite the current challenges, Qaiser maintained that the PTI had not abandoned its principles, especially regarding the rule of law, an independent judiciary, civil supremacy and a strong parliament. “We want a government that truly represents the people and is based on the constitutional regime,” he added.
In a strong statement, Qaiser commented that PTI founder Imran Khan was emerging as a global leader, enduring tremendous personal hardship in prison for the sake of Pakistan’s future. “The entire nation is with him,” he said.
The PTI leader also addressed the government’s failure to arrange a meeting between Khan and the negotiating team, suggesting that the government was using delaying tactics.
“The government promised that we would meet Imran Khan, but now they are making excuses,” Qaiser said. “We remain committed to dialogue, but our demands remain clear and firm.”
