Khawaja Asif questions PTI's sincerity in talks with govt

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of lacking sincerity in its recent calls for dialogue, responding to media reports about the opposition party's interest in negotiations.

Asif criticised PTI leader Imran Khan, describing him as self-centred and opportunistic. He claimed that even PTI members had lost trust in Khan due to his unpredictable behaviour.

The defence minister revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had made several attempts to engage PTI in talks, including proposing a charter of the economy. However, neither Khan nor his ministers responded.

Asif also remarked on Khan’s time as prime minister, accusing him of turning his back on the opposition while maintaining strong ties with the then army chief, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, and ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed.

Despite Prime Minister Shehbaz's efforts, including a direct approach on the floor of the National Assembly, PTI continued to seek talks with the military establishment.

Raoof Hasan, a spokesman for the PTI, has expressed willingness to communicate with the military and has "hoped and prayed" that the impasse between them ends.

"Our position has always been that we want to engage with them," the PTI spokesperson said in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) on Sunday, noting that the party’s doors are open for dialogue with the military.

The PTI has made it clear for a long time that it will only negotiate with those who actually have influence in the nation.

However, the military's stance remains firm, with the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) demanding an apology from those involved in the violent protests of May 9 before any dialogue can take place.

These protests erupted after Khan's arrest in connection with a corruption investigation, leading to attacks on state property, including military installations. The military and civil authorities have vowed to prosecute the rioters under the Army Act.

"In the interest of the state, it is imperative that PTI and the establishment engage in dialogue," Hasan said, adding that the party had left no stone unturned to "end this stalemate."

However, Raoof clarified that the talks would be held within the ambit of the Constitution. “Instability will end once all institutions start working within the limits of the Constitution,” he added.

The remarks came amid reports that the PML-N had purportedly approached Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai to broker talks with the PTI—a claim he confirmed, as reported by The News.

"I've met Rana Sanaullah; the political leadership, including Nawaz Sharif, is in agreement with the Constitution," Achakzai stated in a brief conversation with journalists in Islamabad. He added that talks are the only option available to move the nation ahead.

In response, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denied any offer of negotiations with the ruling party, stating that PTI had not sought any favours or engagement with the current government.

Speaking to reporters at Adiala Prison, Gohar declared: "We are prepared to have discussions with the armed forces. The army ought to choose a representative [for the talks]."

Khan, currently detained, reiterated on July 31 that his party was ready to engage in talks with the military, calling for the army to appoint a representative for the discussions.