Sher Afzal Marwat criticises delay in govt-PTI negotiations

PTI leader says that a written agreement upfront could have avoided the need for a one-week consultation request.

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Sher Afzal Marwat, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stated on Friday that it would have been better for the party to have been presented with a written agreement rather than requesting an additional week for consultation.

Speaking on Express News’ programme Centre Stage, he suggested that PTI might not have been fully prepared until January 2, and stressed that the week-long delay could come at a significant cost.

Marwat explained that the request for one week's time for consultation could have been avoided if a written agreement had been provided upfront.

"Had we received a written proposal, it would have been more efficient," he said, adding that by asking for an extra week, PTI might have caused unnecessary delays.

Reflecting on the situation, he noted that if any clarifications were required, they should have been sought before January 2 from PTI's founding members.

While discussing the ongoing negotiations, he insisted there was no harm in presenting demands in writing, highlighting that even those within PTI who have held firm positions have supported the negotiation process.

"We have shown flexibility by forming a negotiating team and sitting down for talks," he said, stressing that this was a clear demonstration of the party's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

Marwat also acknowledged that the statements coming from various stakeholders suggested that the negotiation environment was improving.

"It seems that both parties are now mentally prepared to come to the negotiating table and are recognizing that the issues can be resolved through dialogue rather than on the streets," he remarked.

He further reiterated PTI's stance on the formation of a judicial commission, stating that it aligns with the party’s principled position and reflects the need for transparency and accountability in the resolution of the ongoing political disputes.