May 9 convictions should not affect govt-PTI talks: Irfan Siddiqui

Our focus is on PTI’s written demands, not Imran Khan’s statements, says PML-N Senator

Listen to article

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Parliamentary Party Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Senate and a member of the government’s committee for negotiations with PTI, has stated that convictions and sentences in May 9 cases should not impact the negotiation process.

In an interview with a private news channel, the senior PML-N leader highlighted that on the very first day of negotiations, the interior ministry was directed to facilitate PTI’s committee in meeting Imran Khan. “We want this facilitation to continue in the future,” Siddiqui added.

He praised the positive atmosphere of the initial meeting, describing it as a good opening. “The fact that we are sitting together is itself a significant breakthrough,” he remarked.

Siddiqui also noted that PTI, having been in government, understands the constitutional and legal processes involved in releasing individuals from jail. He clarified that the government has not set any limits on how far these negotiations can progress.

When asked about the sentencing of 60 individuals by field general court-martials and its potential impact, Siddiqui said that imprisonment cannot be considered a deadlock and the convictions and sentences in May 9 cases should not impact the negotiation process.

“In the past, prominent political leaders have endured long periods of imprisonment. Talks began despite Imran Khan himself being convicted,” he pointed out.

Siddiqui explained that PTI initiated the dialogue process when Imran Khan assigned the task to his negotiation committee, which then contacted the National Assembly Speaker. Subsequently, Ayaz Sadiq reached out to the government, leading to the start of discussions.

He stated that the negotiation process is driven by PTI and that external factors should not influence the discussions happening within the “constitutional room” where the committee meets.

Addressing the issue of political instability, Siddiqui dismissed the notion that Imran Khan’s presence is causing unrest in any part of the country.

“We are praying for the success of these negotiations and are willing to go the extra mile to achieve it. However, even if, God forbid, this effort fails, Pakistan will continue to progress with the same vigor,” he said.

When asked about Khan’s acknowledgment of the government’s efforts to prevent Pakistan from defaulting, Siddiqui expressed gratitude. “We thank him for recognising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts,” he added.

Responding to questions about the tweets and statements of Richard Allen Grenell, Siddiqui dismissed them as irrelevant.

“Pakistan’s policies are not shaped by Grenell’s tweets. He is a non-entity for us. We are already raising our voice for Aafia Siddiqui and are fully aware of injustices at places like Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay, and Gaza,” he said. He added that even within the United States, those involved in the attack on Capitol Hill faced legal repercussions.

Concluding his remarks, Siddiqui stressed that decisions in Pakistan are made in accordance with the Constitution, law, and the country’s institutional framework, not under external influence.

Earlier, military courts have sentenced 60 more civilians to prison terms for their roles in violent attacks on military installations during the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023. Among those sentenced is Hassan Niazi, the nephew of former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been given a 10-year sentence.