Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government is ready to form a parliamentary committee to advance talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), following the latter’s abrupt exit from negotiations.
PTI had abruptly walked away from the talks after three meetings, accusing the government of not genuinely addressing its demands, including the release of “political prisoners” and the formation of judicial commissions to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and November 24-27, 2024.
The prime minister said he wishes to reduce political tensions and proceed with negotiations sincerely, as the country cannot afford more damage.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz emphasized that the government had accepted PTI’s offer for talks in good faith. “A committee was formed, and with the speaker’s facilitation, talks began. They provided their demands in writing, and our committee said they would respond in writing. The next meeting was set for January 28, but they backed out,” he explained.
He noted that the government committee members had told PTI leaders that since they had provided their demands in writing, they would reciprocate in the same manner.
The prime minister also reminded PTI’s founder Imran Khan of the 2018 parliamentary committee formation, when he had suggested forming a committee and nominating opposition members. However, he said, only one or two meetings had been held with little progress.
PM Shehbaz suggested that both the 2018 house committee and a new committee for probing the 2024 general elections should conduct investigations. “It takes two to tango,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating his readiness to advance the dialogue with good intentions, stating, “The country cannot sustain further damage.”
