Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Umar Ayub has accused the government of not being serious about negotiations, saying authorities have blocked the negotiating team from meeting former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala jail.

Speaking to the media after appearing at the Islamabad District Court, Ayub expressed frustration at the lack of access to Khan, saying the government’s actions showed no real intention to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Ayub pointed out that although Imran Khan had formed a negotiating team to start talks, the government did not allow them to meet him in jail, rendering the effort futile.

“No one should say there were no talks,” Ayub said, suggesting the government’s refusal to allow access to Khan undermined any potential for dialogue. He further emphasized that this is a deliberate move by the government to prevent progress in the negotiations.

The comments came after Ayub appeared in court for hearing in five separate cases against him, including charges of interference in government duties, threats and violation of Section 144. The court granted him interim bail in the case filed at the police station secretariat while the other cases were filed in police records.

Ayub was accompanied by his legal team, including renowned lawyers Babar Awan and Amina Ali. Despite the legal matters, his comments on the political situation dominated media interactions as he continued to push for a clear path to dealing with the government.

Rana Sanaullah hints at progress in talks with PTI

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah hinted at potential progress in negotiations with the opposition party.

During an interview on a local news channel on Friday, Sanaullah hinted that talks between the government and PTI could move forward in the next few days following efforts by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to facilitate dialogue.

In his post on X, Imran Khan set a December 22 deadline for the government to meet his key demands, which include the release of political prisoners under trial and a judicial inquiry into the May 9 incidents and a crackdown on November 26. PTI protesters.

He warned that if these demands were not addressed by Sunday, the PTI would launch the first phase of its civil disobedience movement, starting with a “remittance boycott”.

Sanaullah’s remarks came amid an ongoing debate over the potential for talks between the government and the PTI, which has dominated political discussions since Imran Khan formed the negotiating committee.

While there were reports earlier this week of an agreement to use the parliamentary forum for dialogue, PTI’s Asad Qaiser denied that any formal proceedings took place during his meeting with the NA spokesperson, which he explained was for condolences and not talks.