Third round of talks with govt begins as PTI presents written demands

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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has presented its ‘Charter of Demands’ to the government, calling for the establishment of a judicial commission to examine the events of May 9 and November 26.

The written demands, which were shared with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, also include a call for the release of political leaders and workers currently imprisoned.

The charter, drafted by Omar Ayub in his capacity as Opposition Leader and head of PTI’s negotiation committee, outlines two primary demands.

The first demand stipulates that the government establish two separate commissions under the Commission of Inquiry Act 2017, to be headed by the Chief Justice or three serving Supreme Court judges. PTI insists these commissions be formed within 7 days, with proceedings open to the public and media.

One commission is specifically tasked with investigating the legality of Imran Khan’s arrest, including the actions of Rangers and police at the Islamabad High Court. It will also probe incidents that occurred nationwide following Khan’s arrest, including the investigation of CCTV footage from sensitive locations and the treatment of those arrested during the May 9 protests.

The second part of PTI’s demands focuses on media censorship, restrictions on reporting, and the government’s internet shutdown during the incidents. PTI has demanded accountability for these actions and seeks clarity on their legal and social impacts.

Additionally, the charter includes demands for the immediate release of political prisoners, particularly those arrested in connection with the May 9 events, and a review of multiple FIRs registered against individuals involved in the protests.

The development follows two previous dialogue sessions held on December 27, 2024, and January 2, 2025. The third round of talks, scheduled for 11:30 AM today at the Parliament House, was called by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

This long-awaited step comes after PTI's negotiation committee visited former prime minister Imran Khan in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. The meeting, which had previously been delayed due to the party's inability to meet their leader, paved the way for today's talks.

The party has set a deadline of January 31, 2025, for the negotiations to reach a "logical conclusion," although Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has suggested extending this to February 28.