[VIDEOS] An oppressed PTI was way better than current docile and toothless PTI

[FearlessRoar]

Govt, PTI finally come to table to defuse tensions

The first meeting between negotiating committees, formed by the government and the PTI, is expected to take place today (Monday), kicking off long-anticipated talks between the rival parties to defuse prevailing political tensions.

The meeting is expected to be held today after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Sunday, formed a committee that included leaders from his coalition partners in the federal government.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a negotiation committee comprising members of the government,” said an official press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

PML-N leaders included in the committee are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PM’s political aide Rana Sanaullah and Senator Irfan Siddiqui, according to the PMO statement.

Interestingly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who has remained a permanent feature in past government committees for political dialogues, is not part of the group this time.

The committee also includes PPP’s Raja Parvez Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, MQM-P leader Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Istehkam-i-Pakistan leader and Privatisation Minister Aleem Khan, PML-Q leader and Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Sardar Khalid Magsi of BAP, the press release added.

Incarcerated PTI founder, Imran Khan, had already formed a five-member committee for holding negotiations on a two-point agenda: the release of PTI’s workers and supporters from prisons and judicial inquiry into the events of the May 9 riots and the November 24 protest.

The PTI committee included Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI MNA Asad Qaiser.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram confirmed the two sides will meet today (Monday).

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who had offered to play the role of a mediator to bring the two sides to the table, has hailed the government’s decision to form a committee for talks.

He has also called leaders from both sides at 11:30am for a meeting in his Parliament House chambers.

He expressed hope the two sides would sit together in good faith, saying, “The speaker’s office is always open for members”, according to a statement issued by the NA Secretariat.

It could not be ascertained what the agenda would be for the first meeting.

“It is the first meeting, and therefore, it is premature to say anything about the meeting and its outcome,” said Mr Qamar, a PPP leader and member of the government’s committee, when contacted by Dawn.

However, he said the first meeting would be a “step forward” to resolve contentious issues between the government and the opposition.

He said the two sides are expected to present their demands and discuss them.

Talking to Dawn, Senator Siddiqui, another member of the government committee, said it needed to be seen whether PTI’s demands were “workable or not.”

On PTI’s main demand of its founder’s release from prison, Mr Siddiqui said: “We have to see what formal demands the PTI brings to the meeting.”

He said terms of reference for the talks will be decided in the first meeting.

When asked about the powers of the government’s committee, Senator Siddqui said the ruling side always came for talks with a “full mandate”.

The outcome of the talks is uncertain even though the two sides have said dialogues were the way out of the current political crises.

On Saturday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said dialogue was “the only way forward” for the government and opposition.

“The decision to form a government negotiation committee is welcome,” Barrister Gohar said while speaking to journalists.

Earlier, Speaker Sadiq offered to facilitate the negotiations, calling them “the only way forward”.

“Whether we talk about improvements for the country, the law and order situation, climate issues or provincial autonomy, and numerous other matters on which we need to sit and have conversations,” the speaker said earlier this week.

It is left to be seen how the government would react to PTI’s foremost demand: the release of its founder, Imran Khan, from prison.

Mr Khan’s legal troubles are expected to multiply as the verdict in the 190 million pounds reference or the Al-Qadir Trust case is set to be announced today (Monday).

Govt, PTI finally come to table to defuse tensions

Huddle to take place at NA speaker’s office; agenda uncertain as each side wants other to show its cards first.

www.dawn.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Premier hopeful about parleys with PTI

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday appeared hopeful about the talks between the government and the opposition, expecting that the dialogue with the PTI would lead to positive outcomes and promote peace and economic stability in Pakistan.

In his opening remarks during the meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said the first round of talks with the former ruling party was held on Monday while the second round was scheduled for January 2. According to the premier, the process will succeed if both parties set aside their likes and dislikes for the national interest.

“I do not doubt anyone’s intentions. I hope both PTI and the government will bring about the outcomes for the country’s benefits and promote economic stability,” the prime minister said. “This is a good initiative of the National Assembly speaker. We will contribute with sincerity. But it takes two to tango. I hope both parties will play their part to serve the national interests and promote national stability,” the prime minister added.

The government’s committee comprises Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Irfan Siddiqui, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Abdul Aleem, Ijazul Haq, and Khalid Magsi. The PM also mentioned the reduction in the policy rate to 13 per cent, a surge in exports and remittances, and the decline in inflation to below five per cent.

PM Shehbaz terms US sanctions on Pakistani entities ‘illogical’, vows no compromise on nuclear programme

Speaking about the US sanctions on the National Development Complex (NDC) and other entities, the prime minister dubbed the move illogical, saying Pakistan’s nuclear system was not meant for aggression, but only for deterrence. He told cabinet members that Pakistan’s nuclear system was very dear to its 240 million people and they would never compromise on it.

PM Shehbaz further said that terrorism witnessed a surge in the country during the last few months, as in a recent attack, the terrorists killed 17 security personnel, and the security forces also eliminated eight militants. He said that in coordination with the provincial governments, all-out resources were being utilised to purge the country of terrorism.

Regarding the sectarian clashes in Kurram in which more than 130 people have been killed since October, the prime minister criticised the provincial government for utilising the resources to march on Islamabad to hold a protest instead of addressing the issue.

Referring to his meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, and the presidents of Indonesia and Turkiye on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo, he said Pakistan-Bangladesh ties were entering a new era as the latter had abolished 100 per cent scanning of Pakistan’s export products and special desks at airports for screening Pakistani nationals.

He said Pakistan was reciprocating the positive indicators by Bangladesh, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was scheduled to visit Dhaka in February.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

PTI ‘sets’ deadline for completion of talks with Centre

Addressing reporters outside Adiala jail, SIC head Hamid Raza stated that Imran Khan has expressed confidence in the negotiating committee who are working to resolve issues with the Centre.

Hamid Raza emphasized that PTI chairman Imran Khan is willing to forgive cases against him, including assassination attempts, in the interest of moving forward. However, he clarified that Khan’s release should not be conditional on any deal.

He also discussed the issue of Kurram stating that a meeting with KP Chief Minister and Raja Nasir Abbas had been held to resolve the matter.

PTI has been engaged in political dialogue with the government over its various demands. The next round of the political reconciliation talks between the government and PTI will be held on January 02.

The government sought a charter of demands from the PTI in the maiden round of talks concluded in the National Assembly.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq presided over the meeting in which the representatives of the government and PTI discussed headways over by the current political situation.

The government committee comprised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Irfan Siddiqui, Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Farooq Sattar.

The opposition committee, on the other hand, included Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the committee members from both the government and opposition, emphasising the importance of negotiations in strengthening democracy. He stated that the dialogue process is a positive omen and essential for the country’s progress.

“Democracy thrives on negotiations, and the collective efforts of the government and opposition are necessary to address the challenges facing the nation,” the speaker added.

PTI 'sets' deadline for completion of talks with Centre

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has set a deadline for the completion of talks with the government, aiming to conclude negotiations by January

arynews.tv

 

[Bewal Express]

PTI ‘sets’ deadline for completion of talks with Centre

Addressing reporters outside Adiala jail, SIC head Hamid Raza stated that Imran Khan has expressed confidence in the negotiating committee who are working to resolve issues with the Centre.

Hamid Raza emphasized that PTI chairman Imran Khan is willing to forgive cases against him, including assassination attempts, in the interest of moving forward. However, he clarified that Khan’s release should not be conditional on any deal.

He also discussed the issue of Kurram stating that a meeting with KP Chief Minister and Raja Nasir Abbas had been held to resolve the matter.

PTI has been engaged in political dialogue with the government over its various demands. The next round of the political reconciliation talks between the government and PTI will be held on January 02.

The government sought a charter of demands from the PTI in the maiden round of talks concluded in the National Assembly.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq presided over the meeting in which the representatives of the government and PTI discussed headways over by the current political situation.

The government committee comprised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Irfan Siddiqui, Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Farooq Sattar.

The opposition committee, on the other hand, included Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the committee members from both the government and opposition, emphasising the importance of negotiations in strengthening democracy. He stated that the dialogue process is a positive omen and essential for the country’s progress.

“Democracy thrives on negotiations, and the collective efforts of the government and opposition are necessary to address the challenges facing the nation,” the speaker added.

PTI 'sets' deadline for completion of talks with Centre

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has set a deadline for the completion of talks with the government, aiming to conclude negotiations by January

arynews.tv

Total waste of time to make the puppets appear powerful.

 

[BouncerGuy]

PTI wants govt to make up its mind by Jan 31

As the PTI fixed Jan 31 as a deadline for the outcome of its dialogue with the government that revolves around the release of Imran Khan and a judicial probe into the incidents of May 9, 2023 and Nov 26, 2024, former prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday claimed he had turned down a ‘deal’ regarding his release from Adiala jail.

Though the PTI founder did not specify who offered him the deal, a post on the ex-PM’s X (formerly Twitter) account claimed: “I have received a message that if you make a deal with us, we will give your party ‘political space’ but you will be placed under house arrest and transferred to Banigala. I have replied that first release all the remaining political prisoners. I will remain in jail but will not accept any deal. I will not go under house arrest or to any jail in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

Speaking to his lawyers and media persons in jail, Imran Khan called out the government’s seemingly delaying tactics. “…if the negotiations yield positive results, the campaign to boycott remittances will be stopped — this is a protest for the restoration of real freedom and democracy,” he said about his civil disobedience movement. He also criticised the military trials of his party supporters, saying such trials undermined the fundamental rights of citizens and attracted flak at the international level. The ex-PM also took an exception to the air strike on terrorists’ hideouts in Afghanistan.

Jan 31 deadline

The PTI leadership, after meeting Imran Khan in jail, said January 31 was the deadline for the completion of the dialogue with the government and the release of Imran Khan as per the law. Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) head Sahibzada Hamid Raza, who is the spokesperson of the negotiation team, said that the PTI was willing to forget everything and wanted the country to move forward.

Speaking to media persons after his meeting with Imran Khan, he criticised the government for manhandling the PTI workers and parliamentarians and suggested that it should not be repeated.

Mr Raza said that the call for civil disobedience was still on the cards and demanded that the government should show its seriousness regarding the dialogue. The Jan 31 deadline will be relayed to the government by Omar Ayub in the next meeting on Jan 2, he added.

While replying to a question about the PTI founder, he said Imran Khan was willing to forgive everyone “even those who tried to assassinate” him. Replying to a question, he said that the PTI wanted to get Imran Khan released as per the law, not through negotiations.

“We are held responsible for May 9 by the other side; we categorically say we are not responsible and the other side is,” he said. “To resolve this issue we need a judicial commission by the SC’s senior-most judges so that there is a comprehensive investigation.”

‘No external influence’

On the other hand, the government appointed Senator Irfan Siddiqui as the spokesperson for its committee negotiating with the PTI, who said only the written demands of the PTI will be considered instead of statements made by Imran Khan or anyone else.

In a statement, PML-N leader Irfan Siddiqui said both committees had decided to ignore external influences and statements during their first meeting that kicked off the dialogue. Mr Siddiqui said that the initiation of talks with PTI and the formation of the government negotiation committee were approved by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif.

In an interview with a private TV channel, the senator said that the Ministry of Interior was conveyed on the very first day to facilitate the meeting between PTI members and Imran Khan and this facilitation will also continue in the future. “The atmosphere was very positive, and it was a great opening,” Senator Irfan Siddiqui added when asked about the details of the first meeting held earlier this week.

He said the meeting between the PTI and PML-N, along with other political parties, was a “major breakthrough”. Senator Siddiqui said that since the PTI has also been in the government, it knows very well the constitutional and legal requirements for getting someone out of jail by an executive order.

Regarding a question about convictions by military courts and their potential impact on the dialogue, Senator Siddiqui said that both sides had agreed that the process would continue irrespective of the sentences or any other developments. “I don’t think that recent verdict by the military courts will hamper the talks,” he replied.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

PTI’s ‘foreign funded agenda’ will not be tolerated: Hanif Abbasi​

Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, Hanif Abbasi warned against foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, stating that the country will defend itself if necessary.

Abbasi rejected propaganda and fake news, emphasizing that Pakistan will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country through misinformation

The PML-N leader has expressed concerns over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Abbasi stated that Afghanistan is openly challenging Pakistan, and this is being done under a well-planned strategy.

Abbasi further emphasized that Pakistan is being tested on the model of Iraq and Syria. He warned that attempts are being made to establish a militia-style government in Pakistan, similar to the ones in Iraq and Syria.

He categorically stated that if a militia-style government is established in Pakistan, no house, factory, or institution will be safe. He accused the BLA, and Khawarij of attempting to gain control through such means.

Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s economic progress, citing the country’s significant increase in foreign remittances, which have reached $21.70 billion. He also noted that the current account deficit has turned into a surplus for the first time in 10 years.

He pointed out that IT exports and foreign investment in Pakistan have increased, indicating a positive trend in the country’s economy.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar categorically stated on Saturday that the events of May 9 are unpardonable and will not be compromised or forgiven due to ongoing negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The minister stressed that overlooking PTI’s anti-state activities would be tantamount to opening the gates of jails (and releasing the culprits). Letting PTI’s anti-state activities go unpunished would render the country’s jails meaningless. While acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, the government is negotiating with PTI to prioritize national stability.

PTI's 'foreign funded agenda' will not be tolerated: Hanif Abbasi

RAWALPINDI: PML-N senior leader Hanif Abbasi lashed out at PTI stating that they use X (formerly Twitter) to spread misinformation and attempt to damage

arynews.tv

 

[Bewal Express]

PTI’s ‘foreign funded agenda’ will not be tolerated: Hanif Abbasi​

Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, Hanif Abbasi warned against foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, stating that the country will defend itself if necessary.

Abbasi rejected propaganda and fake news, emphasizing that Pakistan will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country through misinformation

The PML-N leader has expressed concerns over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Abbasi stated that Afghanistan is openly challenging Pakistan, and this is being done under a well-planned strategy.

Abbasi further emphasized that Pakistan is being tested on the model of Iraq and Syria. He warned that attempts are being made to establish a militia-style government in Pakistan, similar to the ones in Iraq and Syria.

He categorically stated that if a militia-style government is established in Pakistan, no house, factory, or institution will be safe. He accused the BLA, and Khawarij of attempting to gain control through such means.

Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s economic progress, citing the country’s significant increase in foreign remittances, which have reached $21.70 billion. He also noted that the current account deficit has turned into a surplus for the first time in 10 years.

He pointed out that IT exports and foreign investment in Pakistan have increased, indicating a positive trend in the country’s economy.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar categorically stated on Saturday that the events of May 9 are unpardonable and will not be compromised or forgiven due to ongoing negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The minister stressed that overlooking PTI’s anti-state activities would be tantamount to opening the gates of jails (and releasing the culprits). Letting PTI’s anti-state activities go unpunished would render the country’s jails meaningless. While acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, the government is negotiating with PTI to prioritize national stability.

PTI's 'foreign funded agenda' will not be tolerated: Hanif Abbasi

RAWALPINDI: PML-N senior leader Hanif Abbasi lashed out at PTI stating that they use X (formerly Twitter) to spread misinformation and attempt to damage

arynews.tv

Go back to playing the dhull and selling ephedrine. You have all the auqaat of guy that picks off the flies from an infested dog

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Govt, PTI set to hold negotiations on Jan 2

A meeting between the government and major opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) negotiation committees was scheduled for January 2, with National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq set to preside over.

The meeting, slated to take place at 11:30am, will see the PTI negotiation committee presenting the list of demands.

Notices for the session have been issued to all members of the negotiation committees, signaling the latest step in the ongoing dialogue process.

It is to be recalled that following a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar had informally briefed the media at the jail gate, stating that the PTI chairman had been updated on the ongoing negotiations and instructed that the process be concluded within a defined time-frame.

PTI chairman highlighted the need for swift progress, adding that the initial meeting of the negotiation committees was informal and preliminary, with some members absent.

He noted that in the next round of talks, the PTI committee would present its demands to the government representatives.

Barrister Gohar also mentioned that efforts were underway for the PTI negotiation committee to hold another meeting with the party chairman before the next session. He expressed positivity about achieving substantial outcomes through the discussion.


Dunya News

 

[FearlessRoar]

PTI tables two demands as 2nd round of talks with Centre begin

As per details, PTI is seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26, as well as the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other political prisoners.

The in-camera meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, is being held at the Parliament House in Islamabad. Key negotiators from the government side include Federal Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, and Irfan Siddiqui.

PTI has also urged the government not to file additional cases against political prisoners and to ensure that existing cases are decided in accordance with the law. The party has stated that it will not hesitate to launch a protest movement if its demands are not met.

Earlier, PTI set a deadline for the completion of talks with the government, aiming to conclude negotiations by January 31, 2025.

Addressing reporters outside Adiala jail, SIC head Hamid Raza stated that Imran Khan has expressed confidence in the negotiating committee who are working to resolve issues with the Centre.

It’s worth mentioning here that PTI engaged in political dialogue with the government over its various demands. The next round of the political reconciliation talks between the government and PTI began today (January 02).

The government sought a charter of demands from the PTI in the maiden round of talks concluded in the National Assembly.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq presided over the meeting in which the representatives of the government and PTI discussed headways over by the current political situation.

The government committee comprised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Irfan Siddiqui, Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Farooq Sattar.

The opposition committee, on the other hand, included Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

PTI tables two demands as 2nd round of talks with Centre begin

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has tabled two key demands during the second round of talks with the government, ARY News reported. As per

arynews.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

‘Nothing seen’ in negotiations between PTI, govt: KP governor

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday said that “nothing was seen” in the negotiations taking place between PTI and the government.

The PTI yesterday sought more time from the government to consult party founder Imran Khan on the final negotiation agenda, ahead of the third meeting scheduled for next week.

The first meeting between committees representing the government and the opposition PTI took place on Dec 23, kicking off long-anticipated talks between the rival parties to defuse prevailing political tensions.

Sources had said that the PTI had decided to limit itself to two initial demands in yesterday’s talks; the release of under-trial political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023 and Nov 26.

Background discussions with party leaders revealed that it was annoyed by the “illogical and absurd statements” about the talks, being issued by government ministers, and wanted the ruling party to review its “nonsensical approach and create a favourable environment for talks”.

While speaking at the press club today, the governor said nothing could be seen to come out of the negotiations taking place between the two, adding that he had reservations over the meeting but would “only pray for the committee.”

“Negotiations are the solution to all problems,” the governor said, adding that he did not see the PTI getting the NRO.

The term NRO is used for the National Reconciliation Ordinance which former dictator Gen Musharraf had promulgated after a deal with the Pakistan Peoples Party in 2007, after which cases registered against politicians and others on political grounds had ended.

Says without opposition, apex committee has no value

Separately, while speaking about the KP Apex Committee formed by the chief minister, the governor said: “The people who have disrupted the peace [in the province], how can they chair the meeting?”

Protesters continued their sit-in in Parachinar, headquarters of Kurram district as they announced that they would end their protest only when the roads are opened for traffic and they are made safe for public travel. The two sides signed the peace agreement in Kohat on Wednesday.

Kundi said that the leader of the opposition should be part of the apex committee, terming it that the exclusion was the reason why he had reservations.

“Without the opposition, the apex committee has no value,” the governor said.

“When I said we should go to Kurram, the CM reached there,” Kundi said.

DAWN NEWS