PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Asad Qaiser clarified on Friday that his party is not engaged in any talks with the government, dismissing reports suggesting that dialogue might have kickstarted.
The Imran Khan-founded party has set forth multiple demands, including the release of its leader and revocation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, to stop its ongoing agitation.
Numerous times this year, the PTI has taken to the streets and marched to Islamabad, seeking the fulfilment of its demands, but the party and the government have not yet reached an agreement.
In his speech at the National Assembly, Qaiser said: “I visited Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s residence for condolences. No discussion regarding negotiations took place with the [NA] speaker.”
Citing media reports that he spoke to the NA speaker about talks between the government and his party, Qaiser clarified that they are “absolutely wrong”.
He admitted that although a committee has been formed for talks, the committee when it thinks is right and the government shows some seriousness, then they will take directions from Khan for further action.
Sourced told Geo News that the PTI leader and Sadiq had agreed to ease political tensions. The two leaders discussed the importance of reducing polarisation and finding common ground for the greater national interest, the well-placed sources added.
While the party has not announced taking to the streets once again, it has said that it will begin a civil disobedience movement later this month if the government does not accept its demands, including the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Qaiser raised serious concerns about the November 26 protest, questioning: “Why was live ammunition used during the protest? Under which law were unarmed citizens fired upon?”
He strongly condemned the actions and demanded accountability for the events of that day.
