Islamabad – The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to boycott the fourth round of negotiations with the government, citing delays in the formation of judicial commissions as the primary reason. This decision comes a day after PTI Chairman Imran Khan directed the party to end the talks.
The negotiations, aimed at easing political tensions, had been ongoing for weeks but failed to yield significant progress on key issues, including the establishment of judicial commissions and the release of PTI prisoners.
The third round of talks, held on January 16, saw PTI formally present its demands in writing. Despite government assurances of a response within seven working days, no progress was made.
Addressing the media outside Parliament House, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticized the government’s lack of seriousness, stating, “We presented them with simple demands. What was wrong with announcing the formation of a judicial commission?” He acknowledged PTI’s initial willingness to negotiate but stated that the government’s non-cooperation necessitated their withdrawal.
Highlighting inefficiencies in parliamentary proceedings, Gohar pointed out that eight laws were passed within just 11 minutes during today’s session. He claimed that 37 bills had been passed without debate and were later rejected by the President, stating, “The world will remember how the House was run this year,” and drawing a comparison to India’s parliamentary sessions, which typically last up to six hours.
Senator Shibli Faraz condemned recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) Act, labeling them a “black law against freedom of expression.” The amendment sparked protests among journalists, with media representatives walking out of the press gallery in protest. Faraz argued that the amendments were designed to suppress dissent, stating, “Efforts are being made to silence the people’s voice. How can people invest in Pakistan when such laws are being passed?” Omar Ayub echoed these sentiments, warning that the amendments could have a devastating impact on online businesses.
Meanwhile, the government has urged PTI to reconsider its decision. Senator Irfan Siddiqui appealed to PTI to return to the negotiation table, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for political stability.
Siddiqui stated, “I cannot understand the reason for PTI’s threat to abandon talks,” adding that the government had been working on a formal response to PTI’s demands. He stressed that the coalition parties had shown restraint during the talks and urged PTI to submit their complaints in writing instead of abandoning negotiations.
The breakdown of talks between the government and PTI marks a setback in efforts to resolve political tensions. With judicial commissions and other demands still unresolved, both sides face mounting pressure to find common ground and prevent further escalation.