Islamabad, January 23, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has officially called off negotiations with the government due to its failure to establish a judicial commission within the agreed seven-day timeline, according to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
Addressing the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Khan has been imprisoned for over a year, Barrister Gohar stated that the party’s legal team met with Khan earlier in the day. During the meeting, Khan expressed frustration over the delay, saying, “The government’s inaction on forming the judicial commission leaves no justification for continuing these talks.”
Gohar added, “Imran Khan has categorically announced that no further rounds of negotiations will take place. Despite repeated promises, the government has failed to deliver, forcing this decision.”
Talks between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government and PTI began in December 2024 to defuse rising political tensions. However, three sessions yielded little progress on key issues.
During the third session on January 16, PTI submitted a written charter of demands, which included:
- The formation of two judicial commissions jointly nominated by the government and PTI within seven days.
- The release of “political prisoners.”
The commissions were intended to investigate the May 9, 2023 riots following Khan’s arrest and the November 24–27, 2024 protests in Islamabad, during which PTI alleged excessive force was used against its supporters.
Despite these demands, the government has yet to make a concrete decision on forming the commissions, prompting PTI to withdraw from the talks.
PTI has demanded that the commissions include three senior judges from either the Supreme Court or high courts, with proceedings open to the public and media.
Barrister Gohar emphasized, “We will continue our struggle within the framework of the Constitution and the law. The PTI is committed to initiating a broader movement in collaboration with other political parties to ensure judicial independence.”
Prime Minister’s aide on political affairs, Rana Sanaullah, criticized PTI’s decision, stating, “Negotiations require mutual flexibility. Progress cannot be achieved through rigid demands.”
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who has been mediating the talks, echoed this sentiment, urging both sides to embrace compromise. Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a member of the government’s negotiation committee, expressed regret over PTI’s withdrawal, noting that the coalition had not yet finalized its decision on the judicial commissions.
National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub dismissed the negotiations as “useless” without the formation of the judicial commissions, reinforcing PTI’s stance.
Imran Khan reiterated his commitment to seeking accountability, saying, “We are not waiting for any foreign assistance. Our priority remains a transparent and independent inquiry into the injustices faced by our party and supporters.”
PTI has announced plans to rally support from other political parties and the public to push for judicial independence and constitutional accountability. With PTI’s withdrawal, the fourth round of talks scheduled for January 28 remains uncertain, casting doubt on the possibility of resolving the ongoing political deadlock.
