Islamabad: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday stated that the federal government does not take the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s January 31 deadline for result-oriented talks seriously, calling it a “face-saving” move. Earlier, PTI’s negotiation committee, after meeting party leader Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, set the deadline, demanding a judicial probe into the May 9 riots, the November 26 crackdown, and the release of political prisoners.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza, head of the Sunni Ittehad Council and part of the PTI dialogue team, claimed Imran Khan was willing to forgive those responsible for his mistreatment for Pakistan’s sake. Raza also confirmed the continuation of PTI’s civil disobedience movement, including a remittance boycott.
Tarar accused PTI of facing political setbacks and predicted their calls, such as the remittance boycott, would fail just like their previous protests. He also denied any reports that Imran Khan was offered a deal for house arrest or a transfer to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prison.
Tarar’s remarks came amid ongoing negotiations between the government and opposition parties, which resumed earlier this week after months of political tension.
