Islamabad, January 24, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced on Friday that negotiations with the government have been suspended by party founder Imran Khan, citing the government’s failure to meet PTI’s key demands.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament House, Gohar revealed that PTI had presented two specific demands, including the formation of judicial commissions to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 2024 protests. However, no action was taken within the agreed seven-day deadline.
“Imran Khan decided to pause the talks, but the government could have at least announced that the commission was under consideration,” Gohar remarked. He added that seven days were more than enough to demonstrate the government’s intent by initiating the process.
Gohar indicated that PTI might reconsider negotiations if the government moves forward with establishing a commission to investigate the incidents. “The lack of progress exposes their true intentions,” he stated, reiterating PTI’s openness to dialogue if genuine steps are taken.
The suspension of talks was officially announced following Gohar’s meeting with Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister has been detained for over a year. Gohar conveyed Imran Khan’s clear stance: “No further rounds of negotiations will take place unless the government fulfills its commitments.”
Negotiations between PTI and the government began in late December in an effort to ease political tensions. Despite holding three sessions, little progress was achieved. PTI’s demands included the formation of two judicial commissions, comprising senior judges from the Supreme Court or high courts, with proceedings open to the public and media, as well as the release of political prisoners.
The government, however, criticized PTI’s “inflexible approach.” Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah commented, “Negotiations are not a one-sided decree.” National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires flexibility from both sides.
The suspension of talks has further strained relations between the two sides, raising concerns over the potential escalation of political unrest.
