Govt-PTI negotiations still in first gear

Asif blames K-P govt's 'negligence' for unrest in Kurram

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ISLAMABAD:

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday stated that there had been no significant progress on the negotiations between the government and the PTI, adding that the government was under no compulsion to sit at the table with the opposition party.

He noted that talks with the PTI have been limited to breaking the ice in a bid to ease political tensions, while hoping for a silver lining in the next round.

The defence minister made these remarks while talking to Express News programme Centre Stage.

The PTI has presented two demands: the formation of a judicial commission to get to the bottom of the events of May 9 and November 26, and the release of political prisoners, including its founding chairman Imran Khan.

Last month, Khan threatened to stir the pot by launching a civil disobedience movement if these demands were not met, but later put the plan on ice after consulting his aides.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee comprising members of the governing coalition to hold negotiations with the PTI.

The decision followed a proposal by the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, in response to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar's request for initiating talks.

Talking to the Express News programme, Asif, maintained that there was no positive development in the talks between the government and the PTI. He clarified that the negotiation process had so far been limited to discussions.

We are engaging in negotiations to find a way to reduce political tension, he said, adding that the tension was gradually easing.

Asif hoped that there might be some breakthrough in the next round of talks. He noted that the economy was improving and investment was flowing in Pakistan.

Asif denied rumours about the transfer of PTI's founder to Nathia Gali, stating that he had no knowledge of any such offer and described these claims as mere "marketing tactics".

He stressed that cooperation between institutions, including the judiciary and other departments was crucial for addressing the country's challenges.

The defence minister blamed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's "negligence" for the unrest in Kurram district. He remarked if PTI had managed to control the situation within its own province, the current situation in the region could have been prevented.

He claimed that Afghan citizens were "imported" during the tenure of former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and the PTI founder. He said PTI had tried to create instability in Islamabad and Punjab as well.

Asif also recalled protests in Swat against the settlement of the Afghan nationals. Most of the attackers are Afghans, he said.

When asked about K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's proposal for political talks with Afghanistan, Asif stated that it was "merely a proposal", and that it was not given any response. He added that Pakistan is fighting the war against terrorism and making sacrifices.

The defence minister reiterated Pakistan's desire to maintain normal relations with Afghanistan and coexist as good neighbours.

He highlighted that Pakistan has provided refuge to Afghan nationals, with seven million Afghan refugees still benefiting from the country's hospitality.

Asif emphasised that Afghanistan's territory should not be used against Pakistan, regretting that it continued to serve as a base for attacks on Pakistani soil.

He called on the Afghan government to fulfil its responsibilities, warning that its negligence was enabling those who perpetrate violence in Pakistan.

Asif alleged that the PTI was clutching at straws, now pinning its hopes on support from Washington after the next US presidential inauguration. However, he chose to stay tight-lipped on whether such support would come through.