Rawalpindi, January 12, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have warned that negotiations will not move forward unless the government establishes a judicial commission to investigate the events of 9 May and 26 November by 31st January.
Following a meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on January 11, PTI’s negotiation team conveyed their position. The meeting, which was granted after government approval, was a crucial development in the ongoing dialogue.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, PTI leader Hamid Raza stated, “It was a detailed discussion in a controlled environment, where we presented our views to Khan Sahib.” Raza revealed that Khan had insisted on an impartial commission to probe the incidents of 9 May and 26 November, in order to identify those responsible. He further suggested that the commission should be headed by a neutral judge.
The violent protests on 9 May 2023 followed the arrest of Imran Khan, leading to clashes in multiple cities. Later in November 2023, PTI claimed that further confrontations occurred between protesters and law enforcement in Islamabad during what they described as Khan’s “final call.”
Raza confirmed that PTI’s negotiating team intends to inform the government that they are ready for the third round of talks, but only if the government first takes concrete steps to form the judicial commission.
Acknowledging the lack of progress despite weeks of negotiations, Raza noted that two rounds of talks have already taken place without any significant breakthrough.
The PTI leadership also reiterated their demand for the release of party workers and leaders currently detained in prisons, alongside the formation of the judicial commission.
Raza also addressed the ongoing legal proceedings against Imran Khan, specifically the 190 million-pound case. He warned that a verdict against Khan on January 12 would create a hostile environment for future negotiations. “If Khan is sentenced, the atmosphere for talks will deteriorate further, but Khan has given a deadline of January 31 for the process,” he added.
Raza also revealed that Imran Khan had set up a committee led by Umar Ayub with full authority to handle the ongoing negotiations.
Outside Adiala Jail, when asked whether Imran Khan would sign an NRO, Raza responded, “Do you have any information about the NRO? Have you seen it? Please share it with me. It is not Imran Khan, but the government that is seeking the NRO.”
