Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Initiates Talks with PTI

In Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a government committee to engage in discussions with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The aim is to prioritize national security and interests during these talks.

Committee Formation

The committee, announced on Sunday, includes members from various political parties. Key figures are Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, advisor Rana Sanaullah Khan, and Senator Irfan Siddiqui from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N). Other members include Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar from the Pakistan Peoples Party, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui from MQM, Abdul Aleem Khan from Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and Chaudhry Salik Hussain from Muslim League-Q.

Statements and Reactions

Prime Minister Sharif expressed optimism that the talks would focus on the country's well-being, stating, "If Pakistan exists, we all exist." He also commended the National Assembly Speaker for facilitating the negotiations.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had earlier mentioned that National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq assured the formation of the committee. However, PTI leader Omar Ayub criticized the government's seriousness in negotiations, citing restricted access to PTI's founder in Adiala Jail.

Conditions for Negotiations

Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister's advisor on political affairs, stated that any discussions with PTI would require approval from PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and the involvement of the establishment.