A joint press conference by the PTI negotiation committee spokesperson Hamid Raza and other party leaders underscored the ongoing political tensions and challenges in Pakistan. From constitutional concerns to foreign policy and economic woes, leaders addressed critical issues while urging dialogue and reforms.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, speaking outside Parliament House, confirmed his recent meeting with the army chief, saying he would provide the details later. “I act on the instructions of the founder and provide updates on all meetings. I met him on Tuesday and informed him about it, while I updated him today as well,” Gohar stated.
He also referred to Imran Khan's appreciation of the army chief's meeting, calling them "welcome developments."
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omer Ayub took a strong stance on the government's handling of the economy and its alleged miscommunication about the Al-Qadir Trust case.
“The government will issue a written response on the Judiciary Inquiry Commission within seven days. They have agreed that the meeting with the PTI founder in jail should be held in a separate environment,” he lamented. Ayub also highlighted the transfer of £190 million to the Supreme Court account and onwards transfer to the government, questioning its connection to the PTI founder and his wife Bushra Bibi.
Ayub called for a written government response to the Judicial Inquiry Commission within seven days. He also criticized the government’s decision to hold PTI founder's meetings under specific conditions, advocating for transparency and fairness.
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser emphasized the need for dialogue with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels to address border issues. "If not handled diplomatically, the situation could spiral out of control in five to six months," he warned, adding that they had relations in Afghanistan, so issues would be resolved respectfully.
Qaiser called for peaceful negotiations to resolve matters and urged the foreign minister to travel to Kabul and engage directly with Afghan counterparts. "In our areas, issues are resolved through talks, not batons," he remarked.
PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai expressed concerns about the flouting of constitutional principles. He accused stakeholders of undermining the elected parliament and criticised recent meetings as contrary to constitutional norms. "If someone follows the Constitution, we will support them. People are making fun of the elected parliament.
“We must raise our voices against anything that undermines the constitution,” Achakzai asserted.
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas emphasized the importance of strengthening political institutions and uniting politicians to save Pakistan.
The negotiation committee's spokesperson, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, strongly criticised the government for its alleged lack of sincerity in ongoing talks, describing the latest developments as an attempt to evade responsibility.
Speaking at the press conference, Hamid Raza dismissed claims made during the government’s recent briefing, calling them baseless and a “press conference based on frustration.” He accused Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah of presenting inaccurate facts, further straining the dialogue process.
Key Allegations Against the Government
Hamid Raza stated that the government demanded written demands from the opposition and a list of prisoners. “They wanted us to name the prisoners so that they could later frame it as an NRO. Today, their own NRO narrative has collapsed,” he said.
He also asserted that the opposition had already provided the Terms of Reference (TORs) for a Judicial Commission, emphasizing that the government was not a credible forum to seek evidence.
“The government wants the PTI founder’s release from jail to appear as a favour. This is unacceptable,” Raza added. He further highlighted that a month ago, the PTI founder had been granted bail in all cases, but new charges continued to surface.
Hamid Raza accused the government of deliberately avoiding progress in the negotiations. “Today’s government press conference was merely an excuse to escape from the talks,” he said, adding that the opposition would not allow delays beyond January 31.
“If you had no intention of forming a commission, why sit with us in the first place?” he questioned, accusing the government of lacking authority and the ability to convene even a single meaningful meeting.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the opposition's commitment to transparency and holding the government accountable for its actions. “We will not accept any executive order that compromises justice,” he said, reiterating the opposition's demand for meaningful progress in the negotiations.
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