Imran puts civil disobedience call on hold

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder deferred his call for civil disobedience movement for a while, his sister said on Tuesday, as the government minister placed the onus on the opposition party to create conducive environment for a political dialogue.

Aleema Khan spoke to the media after meeting Imran Khan in the Adiala Jail, saying that her brother had warned of asking overseas Pakistanis to halt remittances if his two demands were not met - a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 incidents, and the release of party workers.

"Overseas Pakistanis are in contact, who say they are ready to stop sending money, but the PTI members advised Imran Khan to wait lest any harm comes to the country," she said, adding that Imran was focused on their concerns and was willing to wait a few more days before taking the decisive action.

She said that Imran was in considerable distress and would not stop until his demands were met. "If these demands are not met, Imran Khan will urge overseas Pakistanis to halt sending remittances to the country," Allema Khan told the media.

Earlier this month, the PTI founder had threatened a civil disobedience movement from December 14 in a post on his X handle. He also announced a five-member committee tasked with negotiating with the federal government on his two demands.

However, the government rejected the prospect of negotiations with the PTI in the face of threat of civil disobedience movement. During the National Assembly session, several ministers urged PTI to create an environment conducive for dialogue and withdraw the civil disobedience call.

"Talks cannot be held at gunpoint," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly. He also labelled the PTI's negotiation committee as "meaningless", arguing that without sincerity, such efforts were futile. Asif also criticised the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government for its marches on Islamabad.

PTI's Sher Afzal Marwat emphasized the need for dialogue and national unity to help bring the country out of its current crisis. He highlighted the importance of resolving the current chaotic situation and learning from past mistakes.

Marwat stressed that any negotiations could only succeed if political forces came together with a clear set of terms of reference (TORs). Additionally, he raised concerns over the security challenges in his constituency and urged the government to take action against lawbreakers.

Responding to the point of order raised by Marwat, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Political Adviser Rana Sanaullah reiterated the government's willingness to negotiate but stressed that the PTI should engage with the government through formal channels.

"The PTI needs to approach the Speaker Office if it wants a political dialogue," Rana said. "The Speaker office is a neutral venue for every party and the PTI's dialogue committee should convey a serious message to engage in talks," he added.

He said that healthy dialogue between the opposition and the treasury benches was vital for a robust political and democratic system. He expressed the hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would take the allied parties into confidence if the PTI showed its seriousness in holding political dialogue.

"Now, if [PTI leader] Marwat Sahib is claiming we didn't have any talks, then maybe conversation didn't happen from that side either," he said. "I request Marwat Sahib that if you have made this committee for talks with us, then come officially, and say you have formed this committee for dialogue," he added.

"Marwat Sahib, if you find it suitable, I request that your committee at least send an official message to the government that there is a committee [for talks]. Don't be constrained to TV talk shows and press releases, go and tell them there is this committee and we are serious and want political dialogue."

Also responding to Marwat's point of order, Khawaja Asif said that formal negotiations between the government and PTI had not yet commenced and stressed the need for serious efforts or practical steps by the PTI to initiate the dialogue with the government.

"No formal steps have yet been taken to initiate talks," he said. He urged the PTI lawmakers to prioritise their constitutional obligations before political affiliations. "Love and harmony grow through goodwill, not through threats," he said, cautioning that an aggressive tone would only invite bitterness.

He called for an environment of change that fosters goodwill and positivity. "Talks cannot progress alongside contradictions and threats. A call for civil disobedience has been issued again; they can carry it out, and then we can discuss matters," he added.

During the session, PTI lawmakers also expressed their willingness to talk with the government but insisted that they will not "beg" for the dialogue. They also condemned the government's crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad on November 26.

PTI's Ali Muhammad Khan condemned the government's response to protests in Islamabad, claiming the current administration "fired bullets" at peaceful demonstrators. He criticised the government's approach, saying, "If you think you can run the country by excluding Imran Khan, try it."

(WITH INPUTS FROM APP & NEWS DESK)