Govt decides against holding talks with PTI despite Imran's offer: sources

Govt to refrain from giving any political or legal concessions to PTI in aftermath of May 9 riots, sources say

KARACHI:

The PDM-led federal government has decided that there will be no negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan at present and his party will not be granted any political or legal relief, sources told The Express Tribune on Thursday.

During an address to supporters on Wednesday, former Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that he would constitute a committee for negotiations with "anyone in power".

“Despite sincere efforts, we are unable to understand how Pakistan will benefit if elections are held in October. Even I am ready to get minus [removed] from politics if they convince my team that it will benefit the country,” Imran said.

However, sources within the government told The Express Tribune that Imran's offer cannot be welcomed and a dialogue process cannot be initiated with the PTI.

The sources claimed that, after the emergence of evidence implicating PTI in the violent events of May 9, engaging in talks with the former ruling party has become impossible for the federal government for the foreseeable future.

Read more: Imran announces forming committee to talk to 'anyone in power'

They said that the international image of Pakistan has been affected by PTI's protests whereas the opposition party continues to give anti-state statements. Hence, political negotiations with Imran Khan cannot be conducted by the federal government.

At the highest level, the insiders revealed, the government is of the view that there are no changes in PTI's stance. Therefore, engaging in political discussions with Imran Khan is perceived as a challenge for the federal government.

"It is becoming evident that PTI is politically isolated. The government's clear policy is not to provide any political or legal relief to PTI following the incidents of May 9," said one source.

The sources added that there can be no political or legal compromise with Imran Khan and his associates by the federal government after the attacks on Pakistan's armed forces and state institutions. 

Insiders revealed that the cases against those involved in targeting military installations will be expedited in military courts and action will be taken against these elements in accordance with the law.

They said that if the PTI leaders who condemned the events of May 9 and left the party contacted the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) or any other affiliated party in order to continue their political journey, a strategy would soon be devised by the leadership of the ruling alliance in this regard.

If any political faction emerges within the PTI that condemns the events of May 9 and accepts the state's writ, discussions may take place with them. However, the final decision will be made by the PDM leadership, they said.

Sources further said that the option of imposing a ban on PTI can may pursued in accordance with the law. It was also claimed that a forward block may soon emerge within the PTI which may express political dissociation from Imran Khan and participate in national politics.