Islamabad, December 12, 2024: Government members and senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have expressed conditional willingness to negotiate with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), demanding the withdrawal of the civil disobedience announcement.
Prime Minister’s advisor and senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah stated that when they offered negotiations, PTI responded by saying the government has no standing, and contact with a political party does not equate to negotiations. However, he emphasized that sitting down at the same table is the only way to resolve issues through dialogue.
Speaking to a private news channel, Rana Sanaullah mentioned that political parties always maintain communication, but these contacts cannot be considered negotiations. He said that while PTI remained in contact until their arrival in Islamabad, these were not termed negotiations. When the government proposed talks, PTI had dismissed the offer, questioning the government’s credibility and authority to engage in negotiations.
Rana Sanaullah further explained that the Prime Minister had offered negotiations to PTI on the floor of the house a month and a half ago, inviting them to sit down and discuss matters. He noted that recently, PTI had decided to engage in talks with the government, after initially seeking discussions with the establishment. He stressed that genuine dialogue could only take place at the negotiation table.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, the parliamentary leader in the Senate, stated that negotiations cannot proceed while civil disobedience is being used as leverage. He urged PTI to abandon old tactics, adding that if PTI wants to talk, they must restore trust first.
On the other hand, PTI Senator Ali Zafar emphasized that the door for talks should remain open. He suggested that if confidence is restored, negotiations could progress, and the government could play a role in fostering that atmosphere.
Senator Talal Chaudhry, opposing negotiations, dismissed them as a ploy to protect Faiz Hameed, calling it a “drama” and a “trap.”
PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai once again warned the government to take action and initiate talks. He stated that if the government fails to engage in negotiations, PTI will be ready to launch a civil disobedience movement starting December 14.
