Islamabad, January 26, 2025: The federal government has decided to delay its response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) charter of demands until January 28, when the next round of negotiations is scheduled. PTI, however, insists that talks cannot proceed unless a judicial commission is formed to investigate key issues, deepening uncertainty over the future of the dialogue process.
“As per the agreed communiqué, no response will be given before the seven-day deadline. We will address PTI’s demand for a judicial commission at the next round of talks,” said PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, during an interview on Sunday.
The ongoing negotiations, facilitated by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, aim to reduce political tensions in the country. However, the process has hit a roadblock following PTI’s demand for a judicial commission to investigate the violent protests of May 9, 2023, and the crackdown on party protesters in Islamabad on November 26 last year.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that the talks were “put on hold,” a shift from the party’s earlier claim that they had been “called off” due to what they termed as the government’s “non-cooperation” and delay in forming the commission.
The two sides have held three rounds of talks so far, but the fourth round remains uncertain as PTI insists on the judicial commission as a precondition, while the ruling coalition plans to provide a written response only during the next session.
A day earlier, PTI founder Imran Khan called for a meeting with the party’s negotiation committee to finalize their stance on the talks. Sources suggest that the party’s official position will be determined following this internal consultation.
Meanwhile, speaking to a private news channel, Barrister Gohar criticized the government’s delays, stating, “If the government is serious about the talks, it should take one positive step by forming the judicial commission. We are ready to discuss terms of reference (TORs) if this step is taken.”
Senator Siddiqui condemned PTI’s abrupt decision to end the negotiations, calling it a “surprise” for both the government committee and PTI itself. He cited conflicting justifications from PTI, including alleged police raids and resistance from certain party leaders.
“We are ready for the January 28 meeting. However, we will not bow to PTI’s threats or boycotts,” Siddiqui asserted.
PTI founder Imran Khan maintained that the seven-day deadline for the government to act on the judicial commission has passed, effectively ending the negotiation process. “The government can still announce the formation of the judicial commission, and we will consider it. If needed, we can discuss the TORs, but the initiative must come from them,” he said.
With both sides standing firm on their positions, the political stalemate appears far from resolution. Whether the January 28 talks can proceed and yield progress will depend on the willingness of both the government and PTI to compromise.
