‘Bushra Bibi holding actual negotiations somewhere else’

Senior journalist Nusrat Javed has claimed that talks between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) committees were only a façade because actual negotiations were being held by Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi.

“Real negotiations are being held by Bushra Bibi. I told you this before as well… that two days ago, she went to negotiate somewhere without any security. And today, she went to Adiala Jail in a bulletproof car to meet Khan,” the journalist said during his show on Public News.

He also claimed that the PTI had categorically been conveyed to accept responsibility for May 9 riots and ask for forgiveness. “PTI leaders maintain if they concede to these demands, then, in return, they want the release of all PTI workers from prison, including those whom military courts have convicted. This is the bone of contention between both sides now.”

Nusrat also said that Imran Khan would have to take the first step in order to achieve a positive outcome of the ongoing talks.

It merits a mention that the government and PTI, for the first time in almost two years, have broken ice by agreeing to talk their issue out for “greater national interests”. First round of talks was held last week whereas the second round is scheduled for today (Jan 2). Both sides are expected to formally present their demands during today’s session.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is reportedly facilitating and leading the negotiations during which the PTI has repeatedly expressed concerns over authorities alleged campaign to “dismantle” the opposition party.

PTI has also demanded the release of all its workers from prison, and sought a judicial commission to prove violent incidents that took place following Khan’s arrest in May 2023 as well as during the party’s march on Islamabad on November 26.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday said that his party would yet again take to streets if the ongoing dialogue ends inconclusively. He also confirmed that the PTI founder had permitted party leaders to continue holding talks with the government for the sake of the country.

Gandapur also reiterated his party’s demands for release of PTI founder and former premier Khan as well as other leaders and workers locked up in different jails across the country.

Amid unconfirmed reports of demands, deals and breakthroughs, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who is a part of the government’s negotiation committee, has said that the ruling party would consult all coalition partners on PTI’s charter of demands.