Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Saturday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has shown a change in attitude following the charge sheet against former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed.
Expressing his thoughts on Samaa TV, Asif pointed out that no offer for negotiations had been extended by the PTI so far. He mentioned, "They [PTI leaders] sit with the National Assembly speaker and drink tea, eat biscuits and leave. There hasn’t been any situation created for us to respond to their calls for dialogue."
Asif said: "No genuine negotiation process had been initiated by the opposition. "They are still engaged in internal conflicts. Some demand two conditions to be met, others call for unconditional negotiations. They are even playing the committee game, having now formed a committee."
"They need to resolve their internal disputes first. Imran Khan's supporters speak one thing, while Bushra Bibi says another, and the PTI founder’s sisters have their own views. The party officials have forgotten their positions due to the confusion and conflicting statements," he maintained.
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Asif commented on the lack of unity within PTI, adding, "If there is a unified voice, we will respond. But for now, media reports suggest that PTI seeks an NRO. After the charge sheet against General Faiz, their attitude has shifted, but there is no sincerity."
He further explained that sincerity is essential for the success of any negotiations. "Without sincerity, negotiations fail from the outset. What they call negotiations are merely a drama," Asif stated. "In my view, sincerity is missing from the PTI leadership and their followers."
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Asif said: "The goal of any negotiations would not be about power struggles between the ruling government and PTI. We are open to talks for the welfare of the country and the people, but so far, no offer for negotiations has come from their side. If they [PTI leaders] call for the unconditional talks for the sake of the country and peace, they are welcome. However, negotiations cannot be used to fulfil personal desires."
Regarding the military court, Asif acknowledged that while he was unaware of the full details of the Supreme Court’s decision, he believed that some legal and constitutional doors may still be slightly open.
