ISLAMABAD: The PTI said Wednesday that it would be open to negotiations with the Shehbaz-led administration if it received any “implementable” or “serious” offer, reversing its position that talks should only be held with the ruling class.
Given that PML-N leader and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met with PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser at the former’s home, the remark suggests that formal negotiations between the government and the opposition may soon begin. The PTI leaders had traveled there to express their sorrow over the speaker’s sister’s passing
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the speaker’s home after the meeting stoked rumors that the meeting with the PTI may have been discussed during the premier’s visit.
The endorsement of “unconditional” negotiations from both the government and the opposition parties by PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan gave credence to the idea of talks between the two sides.
While Hamid Raza, the head of the Sunni Ettehad Council (SIC), informed reporters that negotiations between the two parties might take place soon, Barrister Gohar told reporters at Parliament House that the dialogue should be unconditional from both sides.
He refused to specify what a serious offer is, saying, “We are still ready to discuss any serious offer; if the government had given an implementable offer, we would have considered it.” Mr. Raza expressed his expectation that PTI would convene soon to discuss talks with the government.
Zartaj Gul, a PTI leader, added that Imran Khan, the party’s leader, has given the leadership permission to have negotiations.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja told Dawn that he and Mr. Qaiser visited the speaker’s home to offer their condolences on his sister’s passing. If the government makes a credible offer, he said, the party might take it into consideration. All potential possibilities will be examined at the committee’s meeting, which was formed by the founding chairman, Mr. Raja said.
“With an open mind, the government will participate in the negotiations,” PML-N top whip Tariq Fazal Chaudhry declared. He stated that discussions between the nation’s political groups should take place during the TV program.
The premier had offered discussions to the PTI on the day he took office, according to PML-N stalwart Rana Sanaullah, who also stated that dialogue was the answer to political conflicts. However, according to the PM’s adviser, there will be no relief for the cases filed in relation to the May 9 riots.
It is important to note that the administration has repeatedly offered to hold negotiations with the PTI, but the opposition party has insisted that it will only engage with people who have “real power” and the ability to make decisions.
It had mocked the administration’s offer as the “Form 47” government and written it off as irrelevant.
However, Imran Khan established a five-person committee last week to negotiate with “anyone.” Salman Akram Raja, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, Hamid Raza of SIC, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, and opposition leader Omar Ayub make up the negotiation group.
Speculations are rampant in political circles despite the lack of information regarding the agenda of these talks. According to PTI sources, there will be a “national government” composed of PTI ministers, snap elections by March 2026, no criticism of the establishment, and the release of Imran Khan since he stopped his aggressive posturing.
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