Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has signaled his willingness to restart discussions with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), suggesting the creation of a new parliamentary body to address ongoing political disagreements.
During a cabinet meeting, the premier reflected on the earlier negotiations with PTI, which began with a committee's formation at PTI's initiative.
PM Shehbaz pointed out that PTI had put forward its demands in writing through the Speaker, and the government was expected to formally respond to these. However, PTI's cancellation of a planned meeting on January 28 left the issue unresolved.
He emphasized that it would be sensible for the government to reply in writing to PTI's demands, noting that after the 2018 elections, then-prime minister Imran Khan had launched an inquiry into election concerns through a parliamentary committee rather than a judicial commission, which PTI had requested.
The prime minister urged the PTI to return to the negotiating table and collaborate on forming a new committee to thoroughly examine both the 2018 and 2024 elections, aiming to uncover the truth.
He said that the parliamentary committees should look into both the protests of November 26 and the 2014 demonstrations.
"It’s a two-way street," he added.
PM Shehbaz said that he was ready to engage in discussions with sincerity and a genuine desire to move things forward for the nation as the country cannot sustain more damage.
It is pertinent to mention that after over a year of rising political tensions between the government and the PTI, the two sides began talks in late December in an effort to ease the ongoing conflict.
However, despite several weeks of discussions, progress remained elusive, particularly regarding two contentious points: the creation of judicial commissions and the release of PTI supporters detained in connection with protests
Last week, PTI announced it would not participate in the fourth round of talks scheduled for January 28, following instructions from party founder Imran Khan to suspend negotiations due to delays in addressing the judicial commission issue.
