Talks with military crucial to calm the storm: Raoof

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan has said that there was a pressing need for dialogue between the military and the former ruling party, saying that such talks were the need of the hour. 

He called for negotiations to curb violent incidents, foster political understanding, and stabilise the economy, adding that, to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control, the talks should kick off without delay.

In an interview with Voice of America, his first since his release after last month’s arrest, the PTI leader also expressed hope that the deadlock between the military and the PTI would soon be resolved. He also reiterated his party’s openness to a dialogue with the military.

He stated that the PTI had always wanted to engage in a dialogue with the military and that the party’s doors were open for such discussions. “I repeat—talks between the military and the PTI should begin without delay”, he said.

Hasan argued that it was in the country’s interest that the military and the PTI engage in discussions so that the country could move forward.

Former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has also indicated his willingness to talk to the military on several occasions.

However, the military spokesperson, during a press conference, referred to the May 9 riots when asked about the possibility of talks with the PTI.  He said that negotiations with a ‘disruptive group’ were not feasible as dialogue was the domain of political parties, not the military.

During the interview, Hasan highlighted that the public had shown its clear trust in the imprisoned Imran Khan in the elections, but PTI’s mandate had been negated, which he believed must be rectified.

He stressed that the people’s mandate should be recognised, whether through judicial processes or new elections.

Hasan also pointed out the rise in violent incidents across the country, stressing the urgent need for political reconciliation.

He mentioned that economic expectations had not been met, with friendly nations like Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE expressing concerns about further loans or investments.

He said that all evidence pointed to a lack of political stability, which he believed could only be addressed by acknowledging the PTI’s mandate. “The path forward lies in dialogue with the military,” Hasan said, adding that while PTI does not want to drag the military into politics, recognising ground realities had made dialogue essential.

He noted that currently, the power lies with the military, making negotiations with them beneficial.

Hasan mentioned that the PTI had taken all possible steps for confidence-building and asserted that instability would persist unless all institutions operated within their domains.

Responding to a question about the military’s demand for an apology from PTI regarding the May 9 incidents, Hasan reiterated PTI’s stance that a judicial commission should investigate these events or present evidence justifying an apology.

 

 

Contact with military leaders

Hasan revealed that some PTI leaders have personal contacts with military officials, which could aid in formal dialogue between PTI and the authorities.

He cited an instance where contact with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had led to the postponement of a rally on August 22.

Imran Khan has established a three-member committee for negotiations with the military.

Hasan refrained from commenting on any formal or informal contacts involving this committee but acknowledged that personal connections could help advance the dialogue.

He noted that if formal talks with the military begin, the committee has the authority to progress these discussions and consult Imran for further instructions if necessary.

 

 

Talks

Hasan revealed that Imran Khan has delegated negotiation authority to Mahmood Achakzai, head of the opposition alliance.

Achakzai, who has been a proponent of engaging with the ruling parties, may facilitate extending negotiations to the establishment if the talks with political parties yield positive results.

Regarding the government’s alleged attempt to control the judiciary, Hasan expressed scepticism about its success, citing the judiciary’s growing independence.

He criticised the government’s efforts to allegedly influence the judiciary through legislation, arguing that the autonomy of the judiciary is vital for the state’s stability.

PTI plans to launch a nationwide movement on September 8 to mobilise the public, with rallies and gatherings scheduled in major cities.

Hasan asserted that regardless of administrative permissions, the Islamabad rally on September 8 will proceed. PTI, after actively engaging in parliament and judiciary, aims to now take its movement to the streets.

Hasan said that Imran Khan has made it clear that if anyone claims the September 8 rally is postponed in his name, it should not be believed.

He mentioned that previous cancellations of rallies were due to PTI’s policy of avoiding gatherings without administrative consent to prevent incidents similar to May 9.

Hasan asserted that PTI’s rallies are peaceful and the September 8 event will follow the same principles.

Hasan hinted that more parties will join the opposition alliance and highlighted an agreement with Maulana Fazlur Rehman for forming committees in Parliament to adopt a unified strategy.

A recent meeting between a PTI delegation and Maulana Fazlur Rehman had led to an agreement on forming committees for the National Assembly and Senate to develop a joint strategy in the assemblies.

Hasan described the meeting as very positive and expressed confidence in advancing bilateral matters.