— PTI directed to withdraw from further talks if commission not formed

— Government ‘rejects’ PTI’s demand for May 9 judicial commission

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has directed his party’s negotiation team to withdraw from further talks with the government if a judicial commission is not formed within seven days, according to Barrister Gohar.

Speaking to media outside Adiala Jail, Gohar emphasised that the establishment of the judicial commission is critical for meaningful dialogue.

“If the government does not move forward on forming the commission, there is no point in continuing negotiations,” he said.

Gohar also criticised Irfan Siddiqui, the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, for delaying progress. “Siddiqui should not derail the talks by turning minor issues into major controversies,” he said, adding that recent discussions focused on law and order and should not be politicised.

PTI is insisting on the judicial commission to ensure accountability and transparency. “Imran Khan has made it clear that the fourth meeting will only happen if the commission is formed within the deadline,” Gohar stated, highlighting the party’s commitment to negotiations but also its resolve to hold the government accountable for its promises.

He accused the government of being uneasy about the demand for transparency, referring to it as the “Form 47 government.”

Gohar urged the ruling coalition to focus on dialogue for the country’s benefit. “Successful negotiations mean success for Pakistan,” he said, calling for patience and mutual understanding in the process.

The PTI leader concluded by dismissing rumours about official invitations from former U.S. President Donald Trump for his inauguration, clarifying that such matters are determined by his campaign committee and not government channels.

Govt rejects PTI’s demand for May 9 judicial commission

The federal government has formally rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) demand for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, citing legal and procedural constraints, Express News reported on Monday.

According to government insiders, the negotiation committee reviewed PTI’s written charter of demands submitted during the third round of talks, ultimately deciding against the formation of a judicial commission.

Officials argue that cases related to May 9 incidents are already being prosecuted in courts, making additional inquiries redundant.

“Judicial commissions cannot be constituted for matters under active legal proceedings,” said a senior official, dismissing PTI’s claims of unlawful detentions and political prisoners.

The PTI had submitted a detailed list of demands, including the creation of two separate commissions under the Commission of Inquiry Act 2017.

The first commission was to investigate the legality of Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 and assess the circumstances leading to his detention.

The second was aimed at probing the subsequent violence, including attacks on military installations, desecration of memorials, and damage to public property.

PTI also sought transparency by requesting that commission proceedings be open to the public and media. It called for the immediate release of political leaders and workers detained in connection with the incidents.

The government has categorically stated that the incidents of May 9 were part of a “premeditated plan to target military installations,” highlighting attacks on the General Headquarters and the Lahore Corps Commander’s house.

The government maintains that these acts of vandalism and arson were not spontaneous protests but deliberate attempts to undermine state institutions.

Sources confirm that the government’s negotiation team will provide a formal written response to PTI in the fourth round of talks. However, the rejection of a judicial commission is expected to deepen the rift between the two sides.

Amid reports of a finalised government response, Irfan Siddiqui, a member of the government’s negotiation team, denied the claims, calling them “baseless.” In a statement on social media, Siddiqui clarified, “The coalition parties are still consulting, and a unified response may take another week to finalise.”

He dismissed speculation that the government has rejected PTI’s demands without further deliberation, urging media outlets to avoid spreading misinformation.

The PTI had issued an ultimatum, demanding the formation of the commissions within seven days. With the deadline nearing, party leaders have warned of halting further talks if progress is not made. “If the government doesn’t establish the commission, there will be no fourth meeting,” said PTI representatives.

Meanwhile, the government insists that dialogue can only proceed within the legal framework. This firm stance has added to the growing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the negotiations, with both sides refusing to compromise.