Talks with govt put on hold: PTI chairman

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Friday that talks with the government have been put on hold by party founder Imran Khan due to the government’s failure to meet party’s demands.

Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Gohar explained that the PTI had made two specific demands, but no action had been taken to establish judicial commissions within the agreed seven-day timeframe.

“Imran Khan put the talks on hold, but the government could at least announce that the commission is in the works,” he said while talking to reporters.

He emphasised that seven days were sufficient to announce the formation of the commission.

Gohar stated that PTI might reconsider negotiations if the government moves forward with forming a commission to investigate the incidents of May 9 and November 26.

He added that Imran Khan had given a seven-day timeline for the announcement, which he argued was sufficient to demonstrate the government’s sincerity.

“The lack of progress exposes their true intentions,” Gauhar stated, 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 failure to form a judicial commission within the agreed seven-day period.

The announcement was made by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan after meeting Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where the party’s founder has been detained for over a year.

Speaking to reporters, Barrister Gohar said, “The founder of PTI has categorically announced that no further rounds of negotiations will take place. The government’s failure to follow through on its commitments leaves no reason to continue the talks.”

The government and PTI had initiated 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 protests in November 2024, as well as releasing political prisoners.

The judicial commissions, according to PTI, should be composed of three senior judges from the Supreme Court or high courts, with proceedings open to the public and media.

The government has criticised PTI’s “rigid attitude,” with Rana Sanaullah, an aide to the prime minister, stating, “Negotiations are not a decree.” NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also emphasised the need for compromise, warning that progress requires flexibility from both sides.