The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to restart talks aimed at easing political tensions in the country.
PM Shehbaz had earlier announced the government’s willingness to form a parliamentary committee to resume discussions. He emphasized that Pakistan cannot afford further instability and called for meaningful dialogue.
However, PTI leader Omar Ayub dismissed the offer, stating that the party had clear demands, including the release of political prisoners. He said PTI had initially joined the talks in good faith but withdrew after the government failed to form judicial commissions within the agreed seven-day deadline.
Government representative Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticized PTI’s decision, calling it undemocratic. He stated that PTI had “missed an opportunity” to achieve its demands and should reconsider the prime minister’s latest offer. He also warned that PTI’s history of protests and sit-ins had not led to success in the past and would not work this time either.
The political negotiations, which began last week, broke down after PTI walked out following instructions from its jailed founder, Imran Khan. The opposition also skipped a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, saying they would only return if judicial commissions were formed.
The government had earlier received PTI’s written demands, which included investigations into the May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, incidents. PM Shehbaz had formed a committee of ruling party members to address these demands, but no progress was made.
As the deadlock continues, the government insists that the only way forward is through serious and meaningful dialogue.