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No Atmosphere for Talks Without Principles, Says PTI’s Salman Akram Raja
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja says there is no environment for dialogue, insisting talks must be held on transparent elections, return of public mandate and an independent judiciary — not for “tea and biscuits”.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-17
No Atmosphere for Talks Without Principles, Says PTI’s Salman Akram Raja

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has said that he does not see an atmosphere for meaningful talks, stressing that dialogue can only take place on principles and not for political optics.

In an interview with Geo News, Salman Akram Raja once again laid down conditions for negotiations, saying talks must focus on transparent elections, the return of the public mandate and the independence of the judiciary.

“We are not interested in talks for comfort or through a back door. Imran Khan cannot be kept on the sidelines,” he said, adding that any dialogue ignoring these core issues would be meaningless.

Criticising past engagements, Salman Akram Raja said that merely sitting together, drinking tea and eating biscuits was an attempt to create a false impression of political reconciliation. “Earlier too, meetings were held, tea was drunk, biscuits were eaten, and nothing came out of it,” he remarked.

His comments come amid conflicting statements from the government regarding dialogue with PTI. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has said that PTI founder Imran Khan is not in favour of negotiations.

Speaking on Geo News’ programme Naya Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah claimed that PTI leaders themselves acknowledge that Imran Khan is unwilling to engage in talks, although they hope to persuade him if given the opportunity.

Rana Sanaullah also suggested that PTI return to parliamentary standing committees and cooperate with the government on certain issues. He said that constructive engagement could help improve political affairs in some areas.

The exchange highlights the continuing political deadlock, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress on dialogue.
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