Pakistan's Interior Minister and National Assembly Speaker Discuss Political Affairs

In Islamabad, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met to discuss the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) behavior during recent government-opposition talks. They also talked about mutual interests and Pakistan's overall situation. Naqvi praised Sadiq's efforts in fostering dialogue between the treasury and opposition benches. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with Pakistan's improving economic conditions and discussed government initiatives to address public issues.

Naqvi shared on social media, "Met with Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq. Discussed matters of mutual interest and political affairs, including the government and opposition dialogue and the PTI's behavior. Ayaz Sadiq's efforts are commendable, though."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Stance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blamed PTI for the failure of dialogue, citing a breakdown in three sittings. He expressed willingness to resume talks and offered to form a parliamentary committee to address ongoing issues. During a federal cabinet meeting, Sharif recalled earlier talks with PTI, which began with a committee formation after PTI's offer. PTI had submitted written demands, but the government was expected to respond in writing. However, PTI canceled a scheduled meeting on January 28.

Sharif emphasized the importance of responding to written demands in writing. He recounted that after the 2018 elections, when the opposition entered Parliament with black armbands, then-PM Imran Khan initiated forming a parliamentary committee to probe election concerns. Sharif called on PTI to resume talks and work together to form a new committee to investigate the 2018 and 2024 elections.

PTI's Response

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan rejected Sharif's offer for talks, accusing the government of causing the dialogue's collapse. Khan stated, "We had put forward only two demands: the release of political prisoners and the formation of judicial commissions for the May 9 and November 26 events." He added, "The government shut the door for talks by not accepting these demands."

Talks between the government and opposition began in December to address political tensions, with three meetings held. However, PTI representatives did not attend the fourth round scheduled for January 28.