PM Labels PTI As ‘Undemocratic’ For Withdrawing From PML-N Negotiations

• The government urged PTI leaders to sit in today’s talk to resolve their issues.
• PTI indicated not being part of today’s negotiation.
• PML-N said the stepping back of PTI leaders from negotiations would dissolve the negotiation committee.

Government to dissolve talks committee:

In the previous session of the meeting between PML-N and PTI leaders, PTI put forward its demands. The party demanded a fair judiciary system to investigate the matters of the May 9 riots and November 26 incidents. They also demanded the escape of its political prisoners, including the party’s founder, Imran Khan. 

Senator Irfan Siddiqui said that PTI has to attend its fourth meeting with PML-N in order to fulfil its demands. He said that the government would only share its response if PTI takes part in its 4th meeting. The government cleared that it will attend the meeting even if PTI does not come. The meeting has been scheduled today at 11:45 AM at the Parliament House.

Also Read: Ahsan Iqbal Backlashes Over Imran Khan’s Release

The Senator said that in case PTI has any objection to the response to their demands, then they must attend today’s meeting. Today’s meeting will be helpful in resolving these objections and making a fair decision. He said, “If they have reservations about the government’s response, we can discuss these in the meeting.”

Siddiqui also mentioned that they were given 7 working days to decide on PTI’s demands. He said the government committee is ready to announce its decision, but if PTI steps back from the meeting, the government committee will not public its results. He added, “We are ready, but if they skip the meeting, the response will not be made public.”

Prime Minister calls for continued dialogue:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supported the negotiation between the PTI and the government. He highlighted that the talks between both parties will be helpful in strengthening the country’s economy and creating solidarity between parties. The PM said that if the PTI thinks that the matters will be resolved by getting out of the talks, then this is not democratic behaviour on their side. 

He said, “Avoiding talks is undemocratic. It increases tensions and harms national solidarity.” The Prime Minister urged all parties to focus on collaboration to resolve economic issues and fight terrorism.

PTI declines to attend the meeting:

The opposition leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, confirmed that PTI would not attend Tuesday’s meeting. PTI, however, said that the party would attend the meeting only if the government facilitated a meeting with Imran Khan before January 28. The party maintains its stance and is not ready to compromise anymore with the government.

PTI stands with Journalists on PECA amendments:

PTI also showed its support to Journalists and mass media in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The party said that it would not support any amendments that would halt basic human rights. The party and the Journalists opine that these amendments are a step to suppress the voice of people in a democratic country. That is why they strongly condemn it.

A PTI delegation, including chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, met with anchorpersons to discuss the amendments. Gohar Ali Khan said “There are serious flaws in these changes, which violate basic human rights.” He assured journalists that PTI would oppose the controversial amendments.