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2024–2025 PTI–government negotiations
2024–2025 PTI–government negotiations, was the negotiations between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government, held from December 2024 to January 2025, aimed to resolve the political deadlock that had persisted since the ousting of PTI founder Imran Khan in April 2022. The talks, facilitated by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, sought to address key demands from PTI, including the formation of judicial commissions and the release of political prisoners. Despite initial optimism, the negotiations ultimately collapsed, leading to renewed political tensions and protests.[1][2] BackgroundThe political crisis in Pakistan escalated after Imran Khan’s government was removed through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022. Following his imprisonment in August 2023 on corruption charges, PTI launched nationwide protests, including the violent 9 May 2023, demonstrations and the 26 November 2024, Islamabad march. These events resulted in thousands of arrests and military trials for PTI workers.[1][3] In December 2024, PTI announced a civil disobedience movement, demanding the release of political prisoners and the formation of judicial commissions to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 26 crackdown. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a government negotiation committee, and talks began on 23 December 2024.[3][4] Key demandsPTI’s primary demands included:
The government, while open to dialogue, insisted on addressing these demands through legal and constitutional frameworks, emphasizing the need for gradual progress.[2][6] Negotiation processThe negotiations consisted of four rounds:
Collapse of talksOn 23 January 2025, PTI announced its withdrawal from negotiations, accusing the government of delaying tactics and insincerity. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that the government had ignored their demands, particularly the formation of judicial commissions.[1][8] The government, however, maintained that it had not rejected PTI’s demands and was still consulting coalition partners. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed surprise at PTI’s decision, calling it a “bolt out of nowhere”.[9][7] AftermathFollowing the collapse of talks, PTI announced plans to resume street protests and observe 8 February 2025, as a “Black Day” to mark alleged rigging in the 2024 general elections. Senior PTI leader Zartaj Gul accused the government of misinterpreting PTI’s willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness.[10][11] The government, meanwhile, warned against violent protests and emphasized its readiness to respond to any unconstitutional actions. Analysts noted that the failure of negotiations could further destabilize Pakistan’s political landscape, especially with the upcoming Champions Trophy cricket tournament in February 2025.[9][10] Government’s renewed invitationOn 7 February 2025, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reiterated the government’s openness to talks, emphasizing that the negotiation committee remains intact and communication channels with PTI are still active.[9][12][13] Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged PTI to return to the negotiating table through a parliamentary committee, framing dialogue as essential for national stability.[9][13] PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub, rejected the offer, labeling it a "delaying tactic" and reiterating demands for judicial commissions and prisoner releases as non-negotiable prerequisites.[12] However, PTI softened its protest plans for February 8—originally declared a "Black Day"—by limiting demonstrations to Swabi and southern Punjab, avoiding a direct confrontation in Islamabad.[14] Analysis and criticismPolitical analysts criticized PTI’s abrupt withdrawal from talks, arguing that it missed an opportunity to pressure the government into meeting its demands. Asma Shirazi, a political commentator, described PTI’s decision as “incomprehensible,” suggesting that the party could have gained moral high ground by exhausting all options.[9] On the other hand, PTI leaders accused the government of using the talks as a delaying tactic. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that the government’s reluctance to form judicial commissions demonstrated its lack of seriousness.[8][11] Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari accused PTI of seeking "anarchy" and criticized Imran Khan’s leadership for destabilizing negotiations.[15] Senator Irfan Siddiqui (government negotiator) argued that PTI’s abrupt withdrawal from talks demonstrated a "non-democratic mentality" and squandered opportunities for progress.[16][17] References
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