Opposition Leader Umar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council’s Hamid Raza, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) representative Nasir Abbas Raja are part of the negotiation team that reached the jail.
Outside Adiala Jail, a journalist asked Hamid Raza whether Imran Khan would officially sign an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) today. Hamid Raza responded by questioning, “Do you have any information about the NRO? Have you seen the NRO?
Asad Qaiser remarked, “We are thankful that we finally got permission to meet today. We are happy to meet our leader.”
According to the National Assembly spokesperson, the meeting was arranged after the Speaker conveyed the committee’s request. PTI’s negotiation committee member Sahibzada Hamid Raza confirmed the arrangement.
Before this, Opposition Leader Umar Ayub and Asad Qaiser had telephonically contacted Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, formally requesting a meeting with Imran Khan. Ayaz Sadiq communicated this request to the government.
The National Assembly spokesperson clarified that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq only played a messenger’s role and conveyed the committee’s request to the government.
It is noteworthy that the third round of talks between the government and PTI is expected to take place on Tuesday. Prime Minister’s advisor, Barrister Aqil, has stated that all matters will be presented transparently before the public.
Government committee member Irfan Siddiqui emphasized that the negotiations are on track, and neither side has withdrawn. He criticized PTI’s founder for directly attacking the Prime Minister in his statement, adding that they will request no such statements be issued in the next meeting. During a private TV interview, he highlighted that the current state of negotiations is not the responsibility of PML-N.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the negotiations, saying that they are speaking with confidence only because they have set aside their reservations for the sake of Pakistan.
PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat warned of severe protests if Imran Khan is not released, adding that critics should be ready for a stronger digital campaign against them.
It should be noted that PTI recently agreed to extend the January 31 deadline for negotiations with the government.
Last month, after meeting the jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, PTI leadership issued an ultimatum, and two rounds of talks have since taken place between the committees formed by both sides.
PTI has demanded the release of Imran Khan and other party leaders in jail, as well as judicial inquiries into the protests of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.
These negotiations have apparently been at a standstill since the last meeting on January 2, with reports suggesting that both sides have not agreed on a clear mechanism for talks.
With 20 days remaining until PTI’s deadline, there were fears that the negotiations might collapse.
Senior PTI leader Shibli Faraz stated that if positive progress is made, talks could extend beyond January 31, adding that it would not be a major issue.
It is important to note that the second in-camera meeting between the government and PTI negotiation committees, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was held at Parliament House in Islamabad on January 2.
According to the joint statement, PTI committee head Umar Ayub and other members presented their viewpoint in detail and demanded the release of Imran Khan and other party leaders and workers.
PTI maintained that the government should not create hurdles in securing bail and demanded a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26 to uncover the full facts.
The PTI committee also requested an opportunity to meet with their jailed founder Imran Khan for consultation and guidance before formally presenting their Charter of Demands in writing. According to the opposition, Imran Khan’s instructions are crucial for continuing the negotiation process positively.
A spokesperson for the negotiation committee further stated that after consulting Imran Khan, the PTI committee would formally present their Charter of Demands in writing at the next meeting.
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