PTI demands: Instead of a judicial commission, the government suggests a legislative committee.
The government has publicly addressed the demands of the opposition PTI, including the creation of a judicial panel as requested by the party and the release of political detainees, including former premier Imran Khan.
The government’s response, which was addressed to the speaker of the National Assembly, recommended that a special or parliamentary committee be established in lieu of a judicial commission.
A judicial panel could not be established, according to sources, and the government’s answer emphasised constitutional and legal issues. Additionally, it suggested giving Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s current committee the status of a parliamentary committee.
Regarding the PTI’s demand for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and other detainees, the government also referenced court rulings and legal precedents, declaring that it would not contest bail or release if it were granted by the courts.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also been asked by the government to submit a list of people who are missing. The NA speaker or committee members, however, have chosen not to yet make the government’s response available to the public. The response would be brought up for additional consideration in the committee if the PTI goes back to the negotiating table.
The scenario has been presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to sources. Regarding the negotiation committee’s future, there seems to be a disagreement between the Speaker’s Office and the government. The speaker wants to keep the committee in place, but the administration wants to disband it after January 31.
Instead of categorically opposing the establishment of a judicial committee, the government’s statement highlighted the difficulties and legal nuances involved. Along with outlining the precise conditions under which a commission may be established, it reiterated its preference for a parliamentary committee to handle the matter at hand.
PTI declined to attend the Jan. 28 meeting, citing unfulfilled demands and a lack of progress on important topics, casting doubt on the fourth round of talks between the government and the PTI. On January 28, the negotiation committees met in Parliament House at the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. In advance, Sadiq had reached out to PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Omer Ayub, sending them another invitation.
The PTI made it apparent that it would not be attending the conference, claiming that the government had not met their demand to establish a judicial committee to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.
PTI’s position
“We won’t take part in a photo session for the sole purpose of greeting,” said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. The administration has not taken any action to meet our demands within the agreed-upon seven-day period, which is a significant concern.”
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He went on to say, “We have concluded the negotiations since the government has demonstrated no desire to address such significant issues. Neither an announcement nor any other action was taken by the government.
The need for an impartial judicial panel to look into the aforementioned instances was emphasised in the PTI’s charter of demands, which was submitted during the third round of negotiations on January 16.
government reaction
Government negotiating committee spokesperson Senator Irfan Siddiqui had already shown dissatisfaction with the PTI’s position.
“The agreed-upon seven-day period, which expires today, is being broken by them. We have fulfilled our end of the bargain, and they are free to choose whether or not to collaborate. The issue will be resolved if the PTI does not show up for the meeting; we will send the NA speaker a formal response and proceed,” he had stated in a media appearance.
On Jan 24, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq called the fourth meeting of the negotiation committees from both the government and the opposition. The meeting was scheduled for January 28. The session was to be presided over by the speaker.
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However, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omer Ayub had categorically said the PTI would not participate in the fourth round of meetings scheduled for Jan 28.
The opposition leaders strongly criticised recent legislative actions, claiming that new laws were being passed with little transparency and would be used as tools to suppress media and opposition voices. Barrister Gohar had stated that any legislation must adhere to the Constitution, emphasising that the current government is passing laws in a manner that disregards constitutional processes.