Islamabad (Web Desk): Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and spokesperson for the government’s negotiating committee, on Saturday expressed the concerns regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) failure to present its demands in written form despite earlier commitments.
In an interview with a private television channel, he warned that the discussions could face serious setbacks due to PTI’s failure to submit its demands in writing, despite an earlier commitment.
The PML-N leader noted that for the past 12 days, the talks had not advanced, and he pointed out that PTI had not honoured their promise to submit a formal list of demands by January 2, as agreed upon during their first meeting on December 23.
He revealed that although PTI’s negotiation team had arranged a meeting with their party chairman in an effort to move the process forward, there was still no clarity on whether the promised written demands would be provided.
Siddiqui added that PTI had requested more time to consult with their chairman, but even after the third round of talks, the document was still missing, leaving the negotiation process in a state of uncertainty.
Regarding PTI’s demands for the release of political prisoners, Siddiqui stressed that the label of a "political prisoner" should be based on the nature of the crime committed, not the individual’s identity or political affiliation.
He gave the example of a member of the Senate being imprisoned for a crime such as murder, which would not classify them as a political prisoner. He also pointed out that even high-ranking officials, such as the president, could not claim immunity in such cases.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui further mentioned that PTI has raised demands including the release of their party leader and other prisoners, the formation of judicial commissions, and the tracing of 45 missing persons.
“However, when asked for more details, PTI could not provide any specific information about these missing individuals, making it difficult for the government to take action,” he said, adding that the government had not put forward any conditions or demands to PTI, nor had they asked the party to withdraw its call for civil disobedience.
In response to another query, Siddiqui clarified that there has been no offer from the government or any other institution to transfer the PTI chief from Adiala Jail to Bani Gala or elsewhere.
The PML-N leader also confirmed that there are no parallel or behind-the-scenes negotiations, adding that PTI will set the date for the third negotiation meeting.
