Islamabad, Jan 23 (EFE).- Forrmer Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called off negotiations with the government, citing unmet demands.
Talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party began in late December to address the country’s political instability.
Khan, currently jailed, had two primary demands: forming a judicial commission to probe the May 2023 riots and addressing the deadly crackdown on his party workers on Nov. 26, 2024. He also sought the release of detained PTI members.
The PTI claims over two dozen workers were killed in the May 9 riots, with about a dozen more shot dead by security forces during peaceful protests in November last year.
In mid-January, during the third round of talks, PTI submitted a written charter of demands, including the establishment of two judicial commissions within seven days and government support in securing bail, suspending sentences, and acquitting “political prisoners.”
“All talks are over. No commission, no talks,” PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said in a statement on Thursday.
He revealed that the government had asked Khan to agree to house arrest as part of the negotiations, which were short-lived, indicating that the government was “never serious” about the discussions.
He disclosed that the government had asked for Khan to accept house arrest during the so-called negotiations that were short lived, proving the government was “never serious.”
PTI Chairman Gohar Khan, speaking outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail after meeting Khan, confirmed the talks were terminated due to the government’s failure to meet the seven-day deadline for forming a judicial commission.
“The founder of PTI has categorically announced that no further rounds of negotiations will take place,” Gohar told reporters outside the jail premises.
He added that PTI would continue its political struggle for judicial independence and the rule of law, collaborating with smaller opposition parties to launch a broader movement.
Khan, facing multiple charges, was sentenced to 14 years in prison last Friday in a land corruption case. PTI plans to challenge the conviction, following the overturning of three previous sentences by higher courts. EFE
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