PTI responds to PM Shehbaz’s offer for talks

Shibli Faraz criticises PM's stance, saying real issue lies with government's attitude towards other political parties

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In response to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer for negotiations, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shibli Faraz has rejected the suggestion of forming a house committee, stating that it is not an effective approach.

He criticised the Prime Minister's stance, saying the real issue lies with the government's attitude towards other political parties. "The proposal for a house committee is not a viable solution. If the government were serious about talks, a committee would have already been formed," He remarked.

He reiterated PTI’s demand for a judicial commission, emphasising that such a body would inspire public trust. "We are asking for a judicial commission because people have confidence in it. The house committee suggestion is not an appropriate one," he added.

Faraz clarified that PTI's call for negotiations was aimed at alleviating the ongoing political instability in the country. "We agreed to talks to help resolve the political crisis and stabilise the country," he said.

The PTI leader further stressed that for any negotiations to be successful, the government’s sincerity and commitment to the process are essential. "For the matters to reach completion, the government must demonstrate goodwill," he asserted.

PTI’s primary focus, according to Faraz, remains on law and justice, which they are committed to pursuing, regardless of the political challenges they face.

PTI senior leader and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, stated: "We reject Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer to resume dialogue."

Reaffirming the party's position, Ayub emphasized that PTI had formed a negotiation committee in good faith to engage with the government. "Our demands were clear," he said, stressing the need for the release of all PTI's "political prisoners."

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed readiness to resume talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and proposed the formation of a parliamentary committee to address ongoing issues.

In a federal cabinet meeting, the PM recalled the earlier talks with PTI, which began with the formation of a committee after PTI’s offer.

He mentioned that the PTI had submitted written demands through the NA speaker, which the government committee was expected to respond to in writing. However, the scheduled meeting on January 28 was cancelled by PTI.