ISLAMABAD: Spokesman of the government’s negotiating team, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for not keeping its promise to submit written demands. Speaking to Geo News, Siddiqui pointed out that the PTI had promised to submit its demands in writing by December 23, but failed to fulfill this commitment even after 22 days. “23. December was promised that the demands would be submitted in writing,” Siddiqui said, adding, “22 days have passed but the demands have not been submitted. If they couldn’t meet their demands at this point, it’s not our fault.” Siddiqui pointed out that the negotiating committee was formed on December 5 but no written demands were received. He further noted that two demands were to be presented to Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq but were not presented. “When the points are presented to us, there will be consultations with the seven coalition parties. All the coalition parties will then consult their leadership on the demands,” Siddiqui explained. He also emphasized that thinking takes time, saying, “It is not possible for a letter to come on one day and a letter to be answered on the same day. If the requirements are significant, we must consider them. After presenting the demands, we need to create a collective stance.” Siddiqui assured that while the PTI had set a deadline of January 31, the government would provide a response before that date. A third meeting is planned The NA chairman called the third meeting of the negotiating committees from the ruling and opposition PTI on January 16. The PTI is expected to finally put its demands in writing at this much-awaited closed-door meeting scheduled for 11.30 am at the Parliament House. The meeting was confirmed after a telephonic conversation between PTI leader Asad Qaiser and the speaker. The development came after PTI negotiators met party founder Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on Sunday. According to PTI sources, the meeting was held in a “controlled environment”. Khan, who has been in jail since August 2024 following his conviction in the Toshakhana-I case, has remained at the center of ongoing political negotiations. Defense Minister questions PTI’s intentions Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed skepticism about the PTI’s commitment to meaningful negotiations, calling the ongoing talks a “mockery of dialogue”. Speaking to Geo News on Monday, Asif said he was “100% suspicious” of PTI’s motives, accusing the party of buying time and blaming others for any failure. “PTI leaders are not serious about getting Imran Khan out of jail through negotiation. Instead, they are looking for scapegoats for the failure of talks,” Asif said. Despite his misgivings, the minister stressed his support for the talks, noting that the PML-N leadership, including Nawaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah, were also in favor of continuing the dialogue. Asif criticized the PTI’s inconsistent approach, describing the meeting as a “funny evening” and accused the party of wasting time. “There is not a single point so far that indicates progress towards a meaningful outcome,” he said, highlighting PTI’s apparent reluctance to engage in serious dialogue.
