The ice seems to be melting between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, as meetings for negotiations have started. PTI leadership has started contact with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
In this regard, Barrister Gohar, Umar Ayub, and Aamir Dogar met with the Speaker yesterday, while a meeting with former Speaker Asad Qaiser also took place today. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has granted full authority to the negotiation committee team for the talks.
Details of the Process
According to the Bol News Pakistan sources, it has been agreed that the parties will maintain contact. However, sources show that the government has advised the Speaker to stay away from direct negotiations and to move the process forward through a special parliamentary committee.
The Federal government’s stance is that Ayaz Sadiq will facilitate matters through the special parliamentary committee. Sources also suggest that the Speaker is expected to meet Khurshid Shah, the head of the special parliamentary committee, soon.
The government has sent a clear message that no discussions will take place on PTI’s preconditions. The government supports advancing the negotiation process for parliamentary and political stability but has indicated no flexibility on general elections, the 26th Constitutional Amendment, or the release of PTI’s leader.
PTI’s Perspective
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf sources also view the parliamentary committee-based negotiations as a positive development, emphasizing that the purpose of such a committee is to uphold the supremacy of parliament.
PTI Negotiation Committee Meeting
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has convened a meeting of its negotiation committee, likely to take place tonight at 10 PM. The meeting will review the government’s recent contacts and assess various options for political-level negotiations.
The committee will also evaluate the special parliamentary committee’s role in the process. Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Imran khan has already formed a five-member negotiation committee, which contains Umar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Ali Amin Gandapur, Salman Akram Raja, and Hamid Raza. This committee has been granted full authority by PTI’s founder to conduct dialogues.