Following the much-anticipated development, the Imran Khan-founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has welcomed the formation of the government’s committee for negotiations, calling it a “positive” step.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan’s remarks came as hope grows regarding a prospective dialogue between the ruling coalition and the opposition.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday constituted a high-level body to engage with the PTI in a major development amid the former ruling party’s call for civil disobedience.
“We consider the committee’s formation a constructive step. Meaningful dialogue based on positive intentions should be held,” Barrister Gohar said while reacting to the development.
He stressed that the potential talks should have a defined timeframe, adding that the dialogue must progress positively considering the sensitivity of the situation.
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In a telephonic conversation with Geo News, the leader of the Opposition in NA Omar Ayub Khan said that while PTI’s demands have already been presented before the government, the party will consider any formal request that is put forward from the other side. He, however, stressed that the seriousness of the government’s approach to negotiations would need to be evaluated.
When asked about his stance on the negotiation committee, Ayub said: “Our demands have already been presented to the government. If they make a formal request, we will consider it.” He added that the seriousness of the government’s approach to negotiations would need to be evaluated.
“We need to see whether this committee is empowered or not,” he said while stressing the importance of the committee’s authority.
Referring to the PTI founder’s demands, Ayub said that the creation of a commission had been proposed as part of the negotiations.
When asked about the possibility of a suspension of the civil disobedience movement following the formation of the committee, the NA opposition leader clarified: “All decisions regarding the movement rest solely with the PTI founder.”
He reiterated that the final decision regarding the movement, including any potential withdrawal, remains in Imran’s hands. “Any position or opinion on this matter will only be formed after meeting with the party founder,” he concluded.
