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 attempting to derail ongoing negotiations.
In response 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 speaking, they are trying to block negotiations by any means possible,” he told the media. “Then, they accuse Imran Khan of tweeting.”
Qaiser stressed that PTI members had been subjected to injustice, referencing the events of November 26, when party members were allegedly denied their basic rights, and civilians were shot by police.
He also pointed to the military courts’ handling of PTI supporters involved in the May 9 incidents, asserting that military trials for civilians were unconstitutional.
“Despite these hardships, PTI remains a victim in this situation,” Qaiser said, reiterating that the party’s demands and grievances had been moderated to help move the country forward.
He urged the government to address the growing sense of despair within the country, which he attributed to worsening border conditions and the fragile state of Pakistan’s economy.
Qaiser reiterated PTI’s commitment to Pakistan’s future, stating, “We are stepping forward for the sake of the country. We are not afraid and are not intimidated by anyone. If we have backed down from some of our demands, it is only for the betterment of Pakistan.”
Despite ongoing challenges, Qaiser maintained that PTI had not abandoned its principles, especially regarding the rule of law, an independent judiciary, civilian supremacy, and a strong parliament. “We want a government that truly represents the people and is based on constitutional rule,” he added.
In a firm statement, Qaiser remarked that PTI founder Imran Khan was emerging as a global leader, enduring tremendous personal hardship in jail for the sake of Pakistan’s future. “The entire nation stands 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 with Imran Khan, but now they are making excuses,” Qaiser stated. “We remain committed to dialogue, but our demands remain clear and firm.”
