Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

PTI Sets Ultimatum: Talks to End Without Meeting Imran by Jan 28
PTI warns of ending talks with the govt by Jan 28 unless allowed a private meeting with Imran Khan. Salman Akram Raja says dialogue must ensure constitutional stability.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-20
PTI Sets Ultimatum: Talks to End Without Meeting Imran by Jan 28

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja announced on Sunday that the party would end negotiations with the government by January 28 if a private meeting with incarcerated party founder Imran Khan is not arranged.

Speaking on Dawn News’ program Doosra Rukh, Raja criticized the government for not allowing PTI leaders to meet Imran Khan privately, despite repeated requests. “We asked to meet him alone, without the presence of state officers or tools. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be happening,” Raja said.

PTI’s relations with the government and establishment have been tense since Imran Khan’s imprisonment last year, with protests escalating into violent confrontations amid state crackdowns. Efforts to de-escalate began in late December with dialogue aimed at reducing political tensions.

Stalled Progress

The dialogue process, which included three formal meetings under National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf’s oversight, has made limited progress. PTI’s core demands — the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 events and the release of party prisoners — remain unaddressed.

During the January 16 meeting, PTI submitted a three-page document outlining its demands. However, Salman Akram Raja warned that the absence of a private meeting with Imran Khan could derail the negotiations. “If such a meeting does not happen, talks will end on January 27 or 28,” he cautioned, adding that only Imran Khan could authorize an extension of the negotiation timeline.

Engagement with the Establishment

Addressing the possibility of direct negotiations with the establishment, Raja emphasized PTI’s willingness to engage with all actors to ensure political stability. “We want a constitutional system in place in this country. The government committee takes instructions from the establishment, and we are open to negotiating with them directly if needed,” he said.

Raja welcomed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan’s recent meeting with Army Chief General Asim Munir. “We’ve always maintained that without engaging the establishment alongside political parties, achieving political stability, constitutional supremacy, and transparent elections is impossible.”

Moving Forward

Salman Akram Raja reiterated PTI’s commitment to dialogue. “The fact that we are sitting together is a significant achievement. These talks must continue for Pakistan’s stability,” he remarked, urging all stakeholders to prioritize meaningful progress.

As the January 28 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether the government will meet PTI’s demand to allow a private meeting with Imran Khan or risk the collapse of the negotiation process.
Tagged:

ImranKhan

PakistanPolitics

JudicialCommission

PTINegotiations
Share News: