Dialogue committee's future uncertain

The fate of negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hung in the balance on Wednesday, as National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and the ruling coalition found themselves not on the same page over the talks' continuation.

A day after the government decided to extend an olive branch to PTI despite its no-show in the fourth round of talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on the situation.

Meanwhile, the NA speaker was reportedly keen on keeping the committee intact, but the government appeared set on pulling the plug after January 31.

According to parliamentary sources, the government has sent its official response to PTI's charter of demands to the NA speaker. While the government did not outright reject the demand for a judicial commission, it outlined the conditions under which such a commission could be formed.

The response also includes reasons why the commission might not be feasible, citing legal and constitutional aspects related to the May 9 incidents, which are already under judicial review.

Instead of a judicial commission, the government has proposed the formation of a special or parliamentary committee. One suggestion is to upgrade the existing negotiation committee, led by the NA speaker, to a parliamentary body.

The government has also demanded that PTI provide a list of missing persons. Moreover, it also cited decisions regarding the release of PTI supremo Imran Khan and other detained leaders.

The government has no legal objections if courts grant them bail or release, the sources added.

At present, neither the speaker nor the government plans to make their response public. According to sources, the reply will only be presented in committee meetings if PTI returns to the negotiation table.

Meanwhile, in a related development, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq held discussions with PTI leaders Junaid Akbar, Atif Khan and Arbab Sher Ali in a meeting held at Parliament House. PPP lawmakers Nafisa Shah and Noor Alam were also present.

Taking place a day after the PTI refused to show up for the fourth round of negotiations, the meeting's outcome was not immediately clear.

On the other hand, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan accused the government of deliberately ending negotiations, stating that PTI had only two demands, namely the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission.

He slammed the government for lacking seriousness in talks. "We negotiated for a month, but no solution was reached."

Speaking to the media in Abbottabad, Gohar claimed that Imran Khan initiated the dialogue process, not for personal gain but for democracy and the country.

However, he lamented that the government refused to share any written agreements or commitments with PTI.

Denouncing the controversial PECA amendments bill, Gohar called it a draconian law that PTI will never accept. He also announced that a historic rally would be held in Swabi on February 8 against those who "stole the mandate".

Rejecting speculation of leadership changes in K-P, Gohar reaffirmed full confidence in Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

He also pointed out that K-P currently lacks representation in the Senate and demanded that reserved seats be allocated immediately to hold Senate elections.