Imran gives PTI go-ahead for talks

Shibli Faraz stresses need to nail down TORs before initiating negotiations

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has given the green light to his party for negotiations with both the establishment and political adversaries.

However, the former prime minister, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail, made it clear that any talks must play by the rulebook, stressing the party's willingness to sit down with both the powers that be and political adversaries for the greater good.

He also stressed the need to nail down the Terms of Reference (TORs) before any discussions kick off.
Confirming the talks, PTI leader Shibli Faraz laid out the party's conditions for talks during an informal conversation with the media on Saturday while underscoring the importance of setting the right scene for negotiations.

He asserted that talks in an atmosphere of oppression would be a non-starter, adding that PTI's willingness to negotiate is contingent upon the creation of a conducive atmosphere for constructive dialogue.

“The manner in which the negotiations will take place and in what environment should be decided first, only then will the way for the negotiations be paved with those who are the stakeholders,” he added.
Faraz said PTI is a reality and so is the establishment.

Emphasising the principle of justice, Faraz called for the expeditious resolution of what he termed as "politically-motivated" cases, calling for adherence to the rule of law and the constitution.

He further urged for the release of PTI female members and political detainees, insisting that legal proceedings should only be pursued where justified.

Faraz stressed the importance of political freedom and activity for the PTI, asserting that the party should be afforded the liberty to operate without undue hindrance.

Moreover, he proposed the establishment of an independent judicial commission to investigate injustices against the PTI and urged for expedited adjudication by election tribunals on electoral irregularities within a timeframe of 30 days.

Faraz also revealed plans for the PTI to publish a white paper documenting instances of rigging and malpractices in elections.

Reiterating the PTI's commitment to national unity, Faraz affirmed, "Pakistan Army is our army too," underscoring the party's dedication to fostering political and economic stability through dialogue and cooperation rather than political vendettas.

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"We are ready to engage with anyone for the betterment of Pakistan," Faraz added.

It is pertinent to note that during a Senate session on Friday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui extended an invitation to PTI for talks on the directive of party leadership.

On the same day, PTI leader Shehryar Afridi expressed intentions to engage in discussions with the military establishment. Afridi, speaking to a private TV channel, indicated that talks with the army chief and DG ISI would take place soon.

Afridi clarified that PTI's objective is not to seek a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) for itself but rather to negotiate for the betterment of Pakistan's future.

He also mentioned Imran Khan's longstanding desire to engage with the establishment from day one, lamenting the absence of a response thus far.