ISLAMABAD – Government negotiation committee spokesperson Irfan Siddiqui cautioned on Tuesday that the committee would be disbanded if discussions with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) do not resume by January 31.
While speaking to journalists outside Parliament House, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Siddiqui stated that the government’s team had patiently awaited the opposition, even spending 45 minutes in the Speaker’s chamber, but PTI unilaterally ended the dialogue process.
He emphasized that the government’s final response is ready and will be presented once the committee convenes again. Siddiqui accused PTI of disrupting the negotiations they had initially proposed, suggesting that the party had other motives.
According to Siddiqui, although the committee will formally remain in place until January 31, discussions have effectively concluded. However, if PTI reaches out to the Speaker, the government is open to resuming talks.
He highlighted that PTI formed a negotiation team on December 5, leading to three rounds of discussions. The government side had requested seven working days to formulate a response, with both parties agreeing to maintain confidentiality.
Siddiqui noted that PTI withdrew from the talks on January 23, citing various reasons. He clarified that the Speaker serves only as a facilitator and does not have the authority to dissolve the committee, a power that lies solely with the Prime Minister.
He further asserted that the government would not initiate contact with PTI but remained receptive to further discussions if PTI approaches the Speaker directly. Expressing disappointment over PTI’s role in undermining democratic traditions, Siddiqui remarked that the party’s founder was now observing “Black Day” and had himself closed the door on dialogue.
PTI Accused of Creating Deadlock in Talks
Separately, Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik held PTI responsible for the breakdown in negotiations, accusing the party of lacking seriousness in engaging with the government. Speaking on a private television channel, he emphasized that dialogue was the appropriate way to resolve political issues.
Commenting on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), he highlighted the necessity of legislation to counter fake news in the country.
Imran Khan Blames Govt for Abandoning Talks
Meanwhile, a post from former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s official X (formerly Twitter) account claimed that the government was evading the formation of judicial commissions, a key PTI demand.
“The establishment of a commission to investigate these incidents is unavoidable, and the government’s refusal to do so is evidence of their dishonesty. They falsely accused us of being unwilling to negotiate, but when we finally sat down for the country’s sake, they panicked and ran as soon as they heard the demand for a probe commission. Their intentions were never sincere,” the post read.
PTI Leadership Responds
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated that the party had made it clear they were not participating in negotiations for superficial pleasantries or photo opportunities. He criticized the government for failing to establish the commissions PTI had demanded.
During another media engagement, Barrister Gohar clarified that discussions were only taking place with the government’s committee and nowhere else. He expressed regret that the process had stalled, asserting that PTI had approached the talks with a sincere and open mindset.
Additionally, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja disclosed that the party had briefed Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman about the progress of negotiations with the government.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub confirmed that PTI boycotted the fourth round of talks because there had been no progress on their key demands. “Our time is valuable, and with no meaningful response from the government, the negotiations have effectively ended,” he remarked.
NA Speaker Urges Opposition to Resume Talks
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed disappointment over PTI’s absence from the fourth round of talks and reiterated that his doors remained open for discussions.
“This committee gathered today and waited for 45 minutes for our opposition colleagues to arrive. We even contacted the Leader of the Opposition’s secretary, who replied that ‘it seems like they won’t be attending the meeting.’ We have that message saved,” he told reporters.
PTI KP President Warns of Street Protests
Junaid Akbar, President of PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chapter, warned on Tuesday that the government had mistaken PTI’s willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness. He hinted at possible street demonstrations against the ruling coalition.
His statement came just hours after PTI skipped the scheduled fourth round of talks with the coalition government. The ruling alliance later announced that since PTI had abandoned the meeting, the negotiation process had essentially collapsed.
PTI and the PML-N-led government had initiated dialogue in December in an attempt to ease political tensions. However, speaking on a TV talk show, Akbar, who was recently elected as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), expressed doubts about the success of the negotiations despite PTI’s efforts. He indicated that the party might once again resort to street agitation.
When asked if PTI’s future course of action meant abandoning dialogue and taking matters to the streets, Akbar responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes, definitely.”
He also revealed that a restructuring of PTI leadership would take place in May, sidelining what he called the party’s “homoeopathic leadership” in favor of more assertive figures.
Further elaborating on the reorganization, Akbar hinted at a significant reshuffle within PTI’s leadership, stating that “hardliners” would be appointed to key positions. He also mentioned impending changes in KP’s provincial cabinet, with two new members expected to be inducted.
PTI’s Future Plans: Street Protests and Party Restructuring
Regarding PTI’s next moves, Akbar detailed multiple strategies, including district-level protests on February 8 against alleged electoral fraud in last year’s general elections. Additionally, he mentioned plans for a mass demonstration at D-Chowk in Islamabad, a historic site for political protests in Pakistan.
