ISLAMABAD: PML-N leader and Senator Irfan Siddiqui has expressed support for the PTI members’ request to meet with their party founder, describing the demand as entirely legitimate. Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Senator Siddiqui emphasized that the ongoing discussions between the negotiation committees were conducted in a cordial and constructive manner. “We were expecting the PTI representatives to bring their demands in writing today, as part of the formal process,” he remarked, adding that it would help streamline the next steps in the negotiations.
Siddiqui also revealed that during the talks, PTI members had requested a direct meeting with their party founder, and the PML-N had expressed its willingness to facilitate this. “We have no objections to arranging a meeting between the PTI members and their leader, and we hope they will bring their written demands to the next session, as this will allow for a more focused discussion,” he noted. He emphasized that the continuation of the talks was a positive development, adding that the decision to extend the negotiations by another week was made in response to a request from the PTI, not the government. “We have not imposed any conditions or demands on the PTI members,” he stated, clarifying that the talks were entirely based on mutual cooperation and were not influenced by any external pressure. Additionally, he pointed out that no discussions had taken place regarding the forthcoming general elections or the controversial 26th Amendment during the recent talks.
Turning his attention to the legal issues surrounding the PTI leadership, Senator Siddiqui explained that the cases against party members were filed based on the nature of the incidents and the crimes involved. “The incidents that occurred on November 26, including disruptions and violence, led to the registration of cases. These cases are being processed in accordance with the law,” he said. However, he made it clear that there could be no assurances about the outcome of these cases, nor could anyone be guaranteed immunity from further legal action. “We cannot provide any guarantees that no additional cases will be filed against individuals involved in those events,” he concluded, highlighting the legal process as independent of political negotiations.
