ISLAMABAD: As talks with the government inch forward, the PTI has sought a clear timeline from the ruling coalition for the progress on the demands — the formation of a judicial commission and the release of political prisoners — put forth by the former ruling party to make the negotiations successful.

Speaking to media persons after a meeting with party founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was hopeful that negotiations will bear fruit.

The statement from the PTI leader holds significance in light of the party’s stance that it will be in a position to continue negotiations after getting the founding chairman into confidence.

Mr Gohar said that although the former premier was satisfied with the start of negotiations, he wanted a clear timeline for the completion of talks, especially regarding the PTI’s demands. He said that the demands made by Imran Khan were quite reasonable and they should be accepted without any hesitation.

Gohar says Imran satisfied with talks, hopes dialogue will bear fruit

It may be noted that Imran Khan had demanded the release of the PTI workers and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and Nov 26 incidents. Barrister Gohar said that the matter related to negotiations was also discussed during the meeting of the core committee and they decided to hand over a charter of demands to the government.

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When asked why some PTI members skipped the negotiati­ons, he said it was because some leaders had prior commitments and engagements, adding that the speaker was already infor­m­­ed about it. The PTI lea­d­­er clai­med that the party leaders who skipped the first sitting wo­­uld be present at the next meeting.

Barrister Gohar expressed confidence that the negotiations would be fruitful, hoping that Imran Khan would be released as all cases against him were politically motivated and that he had gotten bail in all cases apart from one.

Amid reports that the government may allow the PTI negotiation team to meet Mr Khan in jail, the PTI officials were also hopeful for a meeting with the party founder today.

In a separate statement, a PTI spokesperson criticised the government for the alarming rise in terrorism in the country.

Central Information Sec­retary Sheikh Waqqas Akram said that the government was busy implicating PTI leaders and workers in “politically motivated” cases and harassing them to consolidate power and eliminate political rivals rather than tackling the escalating security concerns.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024