Speaking to the media alongside other committee members after a meeting with the former Prime Minister and PTI founder, Hamid Raza mentioned that PTI’s committee is prepared for the third round of talks, and two demands will be provided in writing.
He added, “We want justice and accountability for those responsible. A judicial commission should be formed to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26. Imran Khan has not made any personal demands for his release, but our detained members are being denied their legal rights despite their trials being completed.”
Hamid Raza further said that the ball is now in the government’s court, urging them to present concrete work on the judicial commission. He reiterated that January 31 is the deadline for concluding the negotiations.
He noted that while they had a detailed meeting with the PTI founder, the environment during the meeting was still controlled.
In response to a question, Hamid Raza clarified that any extension in the January 31 deadline would be decided by the PTI founder, as the negotiating committee does not have the authority to extend it.
Earlier, after receiving permission from the government, PTI’s negotiating committee visited Adiala Jail to meet with Imran Khan.
Opposition leader Umar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council’s Hamid Raza, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) leader Nasir Abbas Raja were part of the delegation that arrived at Adiala Jail for the meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan.
Outside Adiala Jail, a journalist asked Hamid Raza whether Imran Khan would formally sign an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) today. In response, Hamid Raza countered, “Do you have any information about an NRO? Have you seen an NRO? Please share it with me. It’s not Imran Khan seeking an NRO; it’s the government.”
Asad Qaiser added, “Finally, after much effort, we have been granted permission to meet our leader today, and we are pleased about it.”
Earlier, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur also arrived at Adiala Jail with full government protocol to meet Imran Khan.
A spokesperson for the National Assembly stated that following the speaker’s message, the government facilitated the meeting between the negotiating committee and PTI’s founder at Adiala Jail. PTI negotiating committee member Sahibzada Hamid Raza also confirmed this.
Before this, opposition leader Umar Ayub and Asad Qaiser had contacted National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq via telephone, formally requesting a meeting with the PTI founder. Ayaz Sadiq communicated their request to the government.
According to the National Assembly spokesperson, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq acted solely as a messenger, relaying the message that the government should arrange the meeting.
It should be noted that the third round of negotiations between the government and PTI is expected to take place on Tuesday. Prime Minister’s Adviser Barrister Aqeel clarified that all matters would be presented to the public transparently.
Government negotiating committee member Irfan Siddiqui stated that negotiations are on track, and no party has backed out.
He remarked that the PTI founder’s statement included a direct attack on the Prime Minister, and they will request in the next meeting that such statements be avoided. Speaking to a private TV channel, he pointed out that the current state of negotiations is not the fault of the PML-N.
Asad Qaiser emphasized that PTI remains committed to the negotiations and is speaking with confidence for the sake of Pakistan, putting aside their reservations.
PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat warned of a severe protest if Imran Khan is not released. He also gave a stern response to his critics, saying that it seems they will now have to become digital warriors.
It should be noted that PTI agreed yesterday to extend the January 31 deadline for negotiations with the government.
Last month, following a meeting with imprisoned party founder Imran Khan, PTI leadership announced an ultimatum. Since then, two rounds of negotiations have taken place between the committees formed by PTI and the government.
PTI has demanded the release of Imran Khan and other detained party leaders, along with judicial investigations into the protests of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.
These negotiations have seemingly been stalled since the last meeting on January 2, amid reports that both parties have yet to agree on the negotiation process. PTI’s insistence on unrestricted access to Imran Khan in jail has become a new point of contention.
Senior PTI leader Shibli Faraz indicated that if there is positive progress, negotiations could extend beyond January 31, which would not be a major issue.
It is worth mentioning that the second in-camera session of the negotiation committees, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was held on January 2 at Parliament House in Islamabad.
According to the statement issued after the meeting, PTI committee members, led by Umar Ayub, presented their views in detail, demanding the release of Imran Khan and other party leaders and workers.
PTI maintained that the government should not obstruct the granting of bail and called for a judicial commission to fully reveal the facts regarding the events of May 9 and November 26.
The PTI committee requested an opportunity to meet, consult, and seek guidance from the PTI founder in Adiala Jail to formally present a charter of demands in writing. They stated that Imran Khan has permitted the initiation of the negotiation process, and his instructions are crucial for continuing the talks in a positive manner.
The spokesperson for the negotiating committee added that after consulting with Imran Khan, the PTI committee will formally present the charter of demands in the next session.
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