ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan’s political party on Thursday demanded that the government form a judicial commission to investigate the violent events that took place on May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024. The party also reiterated its demand for the release of the party’s founder Imran Khan and party workers from jails.
The May 9 riots refer to the violent protests triggered by the arrest of the PTI founder in a corruption case in 2023. The protests saw attacks on public and military installations across the country.
Negotiation committees of the ruling alliance and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) held a second round of talks today at the Parliament House’s Constitution Room to defuse prevailing political tensions. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired the in-camera meeting.
The PTI sought more time from the government to consult Imran Khan on the final negotiation agenda, ahead of the third meeting scheduled for next week.
The meeting was attended by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI MNA Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council chief Hamid Raza, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen chief Senator Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja from the opposition.
Meanwhile, the government side was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah, among others others.
The first meeting between committees representing the government and the opposition PTI took place on December 23, kicking off long-anticipated talks to defuse prevailing political tensions.
Addressing a press conference after today’s negotiations, the NA speaker said that during the previous meeting, it was decided that the PTI would present its demands today. However, the PTI has requested additional time, citing the need for further consultation with Imran on a “conclusive list” of demands.
“The hope is that we will have the third meeting next week,” he said.
The NA speaker hailed today’s talks, saying they were held in “an even more cordial atmosphere than before”.
In particular, Ayaz Sadiq pointed out that CM Gandapur had given very commendable suggestions and advice and “poured out his heart”.
“The most beautiful result of all this was that everyone decided to sit down and talk on Pakistan’s betterment, whether about the economy, terrorism or any other issue.”
Reading out the joint statement, Senator Siddiqui said the opposition presented its point of view in detail and demanded the release of Imran and other PTI leaders and supporters, along with the formation of a judicial commission on the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.
He said the party also requested that it be allowed to meet Imran in Adiala Jail to consult him on the final charter of demands. He said that as per the PTI, Imran had given his permission to begin the talks and thus his instructions were necessary for their continuation.
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“The PTI said that the charter of demands will be presented in the next meeting in definitive written form.”
Siddiqui said that Ishaq Dar told the opposition the government had no issue with the PTI committee meeting Imran for consultation on demands.
Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Omar Ayub said, “Our agenda for the negotiations is clear. The release of under-trial political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26.”
Terming the negotiations “necessary”, Omar Ayub said the PTI would present its points. “Negotiations will happen. We will know the intentions of the government. We will see what happens,” he added.
The opposition leader further said, “We need to sit and talk with them, we’re politicians, not a commando force. We are talking with the government out of necessity.”
“We will talk to them without prejudice to our stance.”
