The Shehbaz Sharif-led government in Pakistan has constituted a high-level committee to initiate formal negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This development comes in the wake of PTI’s threat to launch a civil disobedience movement if their demands are not addressed.
The committee comprises Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, political aide Rana Sanaullah, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and other key political figures. PTI welcomed the move, describing it as a “positive step” toward resolving the escalating tensions. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized the need for a defined timeframe for the dialogue, stressing that meaningful and constructive discussions are crucial given the sensitivity of the situation.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has taken the initiative to mediate the discussions. He expressed his readiness to host both parties for negotiations, stating that the speaker’s office is “always open for members.” According to a statement from the National Assembly Secretariat, the speaker has invited members of the government and opposition committees to meet on Monday morning in his chambers at Parliament House.
PTI leader Akram confirmed his party’s participation in the meeting and acknowledged the speaker’s invitation. He added that the party founder, currently jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, would be informed about the meeting’s progress, and he would decide whether to proceed with the civil disobedience movement. The threat of such a campaign was initially announced on December 19 through a post on X from Khan’s account, warning that the campaign would begin if the government failed to act on PTI’s demands by Sunday.
The government’s decision to engage with PTI follows a period of heightened political tension. On May 9, 2023, PTI supporters allegedly attacked military installations, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the ISI building in Faisalabad, to protest Khan’s arrest in a corruption case. In response, hundreds of suspects were arrested, with at least 103 handed over to military authorities for trial.
Imran Khan, whose government was toppled in April 2022, has been lodged at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August last year. He faces multiple legal cases and continues to command significant political influence. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s political stability and governance.
