PTI Ends Negotiations with Government Over Judicial Commission Delays

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (Alliance News): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan has officially ended negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government, citing delays in forming a judicial commission as the primary reason.

Addressing media outside Adiala Jail, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan relayed Khan’s frustration over the government’s inaction, emphasizing that “no further rounds of negotiations will take place.” The decision followed the government’s failure to meet PTI’s seven-day deadline to establish commissions investigating the May 9 riots and the November 26 crackdown.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI’s move, stating that the government had proposed a “middle ground,” including the formation of a committee instead of a judicial commission.

Tarar labeled the decision as “malicious and hasty,” asserting that PTI should have awaited the government’s detailed response.

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, speaking as a government negotiator, described PTI’s exit as “unfortunate” and urged the party to reconsider. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the government, including the creation of a sub-committee to address PTI’s demands. Siddiqui accused the party of impatience, stating, “They knocked on our door, but now they’re retreating prematurely.”

Negotiations, which began in late December, aimed to ease political tensions but saw minimal progress despite three sessions. PTI’s demands also included releasing “political prisoners,” which the government had yet to address conclusively.

The decision signals a significant roadblock in dialogue, as the government continues to call for renewed talks to resolve outstanding issues.