PTI offers to withdraw its countrywide shutdown

Prepares MoU to move ahead in dialogue with government; Imran says struggle not aimed at personal gains

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has offered to withdraw its countrywide shutdown call if the government fixes a date for the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate the alleged rigging in 2013 general elections.

“We will withdraw the call for countrywide shutdown if the judicial commission is set up,” PTI chairman Imran Khan said while addressing a press conference at his residence in Bani Gala on Sunday evening.

Moments later, showing more flexibility, Imran said the PTI “will withdraw the call even if the government fixes date for setting the commission.”

Though the PTI showed flexibility, it warned the government of consequences in case it resorted to violence with its workers and supporters.

“Our people would not act like silent spectators. They will respond,” he warned.

Apology to citizens of Lahore

The PTI chairman apologised to the people of Lahore for the hardships they are going to face due to PTI’s protest, and appealed the traders to sacrifice for a day, and keep their businesses shut.

“…Sacrifices are necessary for change,” he said. “There may come a time that these sacrifices bring a real change.”

PTI prepares MoU

Imran said his party has completed its homework, and had prepared an MoU comprising points already agreed upon by the government side during previous rounds of talks.

“…MoU has been prepared on urgent basis on which signatures will be taken from the government team,” said the PTI chairman.

Meanwhile, a committee comprising Jahangir Tareen and Asad Umar met the government’s negotiating team that includes finance minister Ishaq Dar and Ahsan Iqbal in the federal capital.

Tareen while talking to media after the meeting said papers were exchanged, and further discussions will continue on Tuesday, December 16.

Leaders from both the parties resolved not to share any details with media until a final agreement was reached.

Movement not for personal gains

The PTI chairman clarified that his demand for audit in four constituencies of the National Assembly was not aimed at personal gains.

“I am not doing this for winning these constituencies. We are not doing it to participate in re-elections... we want to expose the ones who rigged the polls.”