The government’s negotiation committee met in the National Assembly speaker’s chamber, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, to discuss the creation of a Judicial Commission for the May 9, 2023 incidents and to address the opposition’s demands.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar briefed the committee on key legal points, including the legal opinion regarding the commission’s formation.
Sources revealed that the committee decided to devise a strategy based on the legal advice provided. A follow-up meeting between both the government and opposition negotiation committees is scheduled for January 28 to determine the next steps.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar discussed the legal considerations around the formation of the Judicial Commission and its potential consequences. In-depth consultations were held regarding the opposition’s letter and its legal aspects.
Irfan Siddiqui Provides Updates
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, addressed the media after the session. He confirmed that another meeting will take place the following day after the extensive consultation on Wednesday. “The committee will prepare a response to the opposition’s demands in the next meeting, based on the legal advice,” he said.
Irfan Siddiqui further confirmed to Samaa TV that, “We have informed the speaker to convene the next meeting on January 28. Whether a commission will be formed or not will be decided then. Speculations should be avoided until then.”
Ijazul Haq’s Statement
Committee member Ijazul Haq also spoke to the media, stating that the opposition’s written demands and their legal implications were carefully reviewed in the meeting.
“Hopefully, after the seven-working-day deadline, the fourth session of the committees will be called,” he said, adding that the government’s response to the PTI’s demands is not yet finalized.
“No final decision has been made. Every aspect of the demands is being carefully examined,” he asserted.
Gandapur’s Statement
Meanwhile, sources indicate that the committee discussed an alleged confessional statement made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in the previous meeting regarding the May 9, 2023 incidents.
The committee members believed that Gandapur admitted PTI workers’ involvement in the incidents and that some workers had “gone astray.” He also suggested that punishments be assigned based on the severity of the crime.
Sources suggest that the government committee plans to include this statement in its response to the opposition.
Barrister Gohar’s Reaction
In response, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar stated that if no progress is made on forming the judicial commission, the fourth round of negotiations will not take place. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Gohar said, “Three meetings have already been held, where all points were discussed.“
“The government negotiation committee asked for our written demands, and we provided them,” he noted, adding that party Founder Imran Khan has instructed that if there is progress on the judicial commission, the fourth round of talks will proceed. If not, “That’s the end.”
