Government’s Stance on Talks with PTI
Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah has ruled out “conditional talks” with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite the opposition party’s threat to launch a civil disobedience movement if its demands are unmet.
- Sanaullah clarified that the government is open to unconditional talks to resolve contentious issues.
- He questioned the viability of PTI’s demands, calling them “non-negotiable”, and urged the party to approach courts for the release of their detained members.
PTI’s Civil Disobedience Call
PTI founder Imran Khan recently announced the formation of a five-member negotiation committee. He issued demands, including:
- A judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023, violence.
- Reprisals of PTI protesters on November 26, 2023.
- The release of political prisoners.
However, Sanaullah predicted that the opposition’s civil disobedience movement is destined to fail, citing PTI’s “irreparable political loss” after the Islamabad protest debacle.
Government’s Response to Islamabad Protests
Sanaullah highlighted the ongoing investigation into the violent protests in Islamabad. He urged PTI to join the inquiry and assured that no bias would be exercised in the probe.
- The Islamabad protests aimed to secure Imran Khan’s release, but the government’s midnight crackdown forced the party to retreat.
JUI-F’s Pressure on the Coalition Government
Madrassa Registration Bill
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has warned the government of protests if the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024 is not enacted promptly.
- JUI-F Secretary-General Abdul Ghafoor Haideri stated the party would march towards Islamabad unless the bill, which pertains to madrassa registration, receives presidential assent.
- Sanaullah assured that the government is committed to addressing the grievances of JUI-F and implementing the bill as per their agreement for the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Conclusion
While the government has kept the door open for political dialogue, it remains firm against conditional negotiations and PTI’s demands. Meanwhile, coalition partners like JUI-F are mounting pressure, making the political landscape increasingly complex.
