Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially cut off its backchannel communication with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, signaling a breakdown in negotiations with the government. Previously, PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Barrister Gohar had been in contact with the Speaker, but these discussions have now been terminated.
PTI’s Demand for Judicial Commission Rejected
According to sources, PTI had demanded the formation of a judicial commission as a prerequisite for resuming dialogue. However, despite PTI’s withdrawal from the talks, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has chosen not to dissolve the government’s negotiation committee, leaving the door open for potential future discussions.
PTI Senator Ali Zafar, in a recent media interview, confirmed that negotiations with the government were already concluded. He clarified that PTI has not placed any new demands before the government but stated that if the government acknowledges their conditions in writing, PTI leadership may reconsider and consult on the possibility of re-engaging in discussions.
National Assembly Clarifies Speaker’s Role
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the National Assembly dismissed claims that Ayaz Sadiq had formally invited PTI for negotiations. The spokesperson explained that while Speaker Ayaz Sadiq maintains an open-door policy, a formal invitation for talks would only be extended if either the government or opposition formally requests it. The Speaker, they added, remains neutral in this matter.
Political Stalemate Continues
The termination of backdoor talks highlights the ongoing political deadlock between PTI and the government. While PTI remains firm on its conditions, the government appears unwilling to fulfill the party’s key demand for a judicial commission, leading to further uncertainty in Pakistan’s political landscape.
