Islamabad, January 2, 2025: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government resumed negotiations in the second round of talks, with PTI emphasizing two major demands: the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26, and the release of all political prisoners, including the party’s founding chairman, Imran Khan.
The PTI delegation, led by prominent figures such as Omar Ayub, Raja Nasser Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Salman Akram Raja, arrived at the Parliament House to participate in the discussions. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur joined the delegation later. The talks were chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The government side included senior politicians such as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PML-N leaders Irfan Siddiqui and Rana Sanaullah, and PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar. Other notable participants included Aleem Khan, Farooq Sattar, Ejaz-ul-Haq, and Khalid Magsi.
During the meeting, PTI representatives reiterated their call for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 protests and the November 26 sit-ins and the immediate release of Imran Khan and other detained PTI leaders and workers.
Speaking to the media, PTI leader Asad Qaiser acknowledged that progress in the negotiations had been slow, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue. “We will listen to the government’s position and present our case,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, Imran Khan issued a clear directive from Adiala Jail, instructing his party to remain firm on the issue of prisoner release. The PTI chairman made it clear that there should be no compromise on this point.
This message was conveyed during a meeting between Imran Khan and two members of PTI’s negotiation committee, Barrister Ali Zafar and Salman Akram Raja. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Salman Akram Raja reaffirmed the party’s stance, stating, “We are standing firm and remain hopeful about the success of the negotiations.”
PTI members also held preliminary discussions with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah before the formal talks began. Salman Akram Raja briefed the opposition leaders about Imran Khan’s message, underscoring the importance of addressing PTI’s two main demands.
In response to questions from journalists, Omar Ayub clarified that PTI would submit its proposals in writing after further consultations. He also dismissed speculation about “secret negotiations,” stating that all discussions were taking place transparently within the Parliament.