ISLAMABAD:
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Saturday that there had been little progress in the ongoing negotiations between the government and PTI, emphasizing that the government was not under any pressure to engage with the opposition party.
He mentioned that the talks with PTI had mainly focused on breaking the ice to ease political tensions, expressing hope for some positive developments in the next round of discussions.
Asif made these comments during an appearance on Express News’ Centre Stage program.
The PTI has put forward two key demands: the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26, and the release of political prisoners, including party chairman Imran Khan.
Last month, Khan had threatened to initiate a civil disobedience movement if his demands were not met, but later put the plan on hold after discussions with his advisers.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee, comprising members of the ruling coalition, to negotiate with the PTI, following a proposal by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in response to a request from PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar for talks.
Asif reiterated during the Express News program that no significant progress had been made in the talks. He clarified that the negotiations thus far had been limited to preliminary discussions aimed at reducing political tensions.
“We are engaged in talks to find ways to alleviate political tensions,” he said, adding that tensions were gradually decreasing. He expressed hope that the next round of talks could bring a breakthrough, noting improvements in the economy and increased investment in Pakistan.
Asif also denied rumors about plans to transfer PTI’s founder to Nathia Gali, calling them “marketing tactics” and stating he had no knowledge of any such offer.
He stressed the importance of cooperation among institutions, including the judiciary, to address the country’s challenges.
The defence minister blamed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s “negligence” for the unrest in Kurram district, stating that if PTI had managed the situation within its own province, the current problems in the region could have been avoided.
He accused the previous government, led by former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and PTI’s founder, of “importing” Afghan citizens, contributing to instability in Islamabad and Punjab. Asif also recalled protests in Swat against the settlement of Afghan nationals, asserting that many of the attackers were Afghan nationals.
On K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s proposal for political talks with Afghanistan, Asif dismissed it as “merely a proposal” that had not received a response. He reiterated that Pakistan continues to fight the war against terrorism and has made significant sacrifices.
Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to maintain normal relations with Afghanistan, emphasizing the country’s ongoing hospitality to Afghan refugees, with seven million still residing in Pakistan.
He also pointed out that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used as a base for attacks against Pakistan, lamenting that it continues to be a launchpad for violence against Pakistani soil.
The defence minister called on the Afghan government to fulfill its responsibilities, warning that its failure to do so was enabling those behind violent acts in Pakistan.
Asif also accused PTI of clinging to hope for support from Washington following the next U.S. presidential inauguration, but remained tight-lipped about whether such support would materialize.