Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has already expressed distrust in his own party leaders. Speaking during a TV program, Asif questioned the idea of initiating talks with PTI under such circumstances.
“How can negotiations succeed when their founder himself lacks faith in his party?” Asif asked. He added that the sudden focus on dialogue has left many puzzled.
Meanwhile, senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticized PTI’s contradictory stance. Siddiqui pointed out that PTI cannot demand negotiations while promoting civil disobedience at the same time.
“You cannot extend one hand for dialogue while holding a weapon in the other,” Siddiqui remarked. He urged PTI to avoid creating further problems for itself. “If PTI wants to progress, they must stop taking on new challenges. They already have enough on their plate,” he advised.
PTI has presented several demands, including the release of Imran Khan and the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. These demands are part of their ongoing agitation against the government.
Throughout this year, PTI has organized street protests and marches to Islamabad. However, no agreement has been reached between the party and the government. While PTI has not announced new street protests, it has warned of launching a civil disobedience movement later this month if its demands are not met.
Earlier this week, reports suggested that PTI and the government might use the parliamentary forum for discussions. This speculation arose after PTI leader Asad Qaiser met with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
However, Qaiser denied these reports. He clarified that his visit to Sadiq’s residence was only to offer condolences. “We did not discuss negotiations with the Speaker,” Qaiser said. Similarly, government officials also confirmed that no talks have taken place with PTI.
The political tension between PTI and the government continues, with no resolution in sight.
