The federal government has outlined a critical condition for initiating negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), demanding a guarantee from the party’s founding chairman that any agreement reached during the talks will be fully accepted.
According to sources, the government has sought Imran Khan's guarantee to move the negotiation process forward. The government has also conveyed this demand to the PTI leadership, emphasizing that Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, must personally assure his acceptance of the negotiation process.
The government believes the former prime minister considers the government-opposition talks process a game, and his endorsement is pivotal to their success.
“If the founding chairman refuses to accept the outcomes, the dialogue process will be meaningless,” sources stated. A personal guarantee has been sought to ensure the negotiations yield tangible results.
Also Read: 'Imran Khan grants full authority to negotiation committee for talks with political parties'
It has been reported that the government is considering involving seasoned political figures like Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Maulana Fazlur Rehman to facilitate the discussions if need be. Their potential involvement would aim to mediate and strengthen the dialogue process.
On Saturday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasised the necessity of "unconditional and comprehensive" negotiations to resolve Pakistan's ongoing political challenges.
Speaking to media in Islamabad, he stated, “We believe that dialogue should take place.” He further added, “There must be unconditional and inclusive talks to address the political crisis.”
Also Read: Barrister Gohar calls for comprehensive talks to resolve political issues
Barrister Gohar underlined the importance of finding a permanent political solution to the country's pressing issues. “It is crucial to find a lasting political solution to these matters,” he stated.
Last week, PTI leader Zartaj Gul claimed that Imran Khan had directed negotiations with all political parties by granting full authority to a specially formed committee.
Speaking on Samaa TV programme, 'Nadeem Malik Live', Gul said: "I recently attended a jail trial at Adiala jail four days back. I met the PTI founder after a long time. The trial, which lasted nearly seven hours, involved detailed discussions on the political and legal challenges faced by the party."
Also Read: 'Talks between PTI, govt won't progress,' says Vawda
Gul asserted: "Imran Khan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of PTI workers and emphasised the need for legal experts to handle specific matters. A committee comprising Omar Ayub, Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser was subsequently formed."
"The PTI founder gave Omar Ayub, the authority to manage political affairs and empowered the negotiation committee to independently decide with whom and how to engage," she said.
The same week, PTI leader Asad Qaiser had said that he had held a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, during which both the leaders discussed the political situation in the country, including the possibility of negotiations between the two sides.
Sources divulged that the informal discussion could lead to formal meetings where PTI would present its demands.
