Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan has made it clear that negotiations cannot move forward unless there is a discussion on the February 8 electoral mandate, warning that his party would not engage in talks merely as a formality.Speaking to a priviate TV chnanel program Shafi Jan said PTI is not refusing dialogue but insists that talks must be conditional.

He added that PTI is now focusing on a street movement, and only after this shift has the government once again spoken about negotiations. “Unfortunately, the process of talks has reached a deadlock,” he said, claiming that PTI had previously attempted to initiate dialogue two to three times.Meanwhile, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, also speaking  blamed PTI for creating obstacles to negotiations.

He said that senior PTI leader Salman Akram Raja had himself submitted an affidavit to the court stating that he would not speak to the media outside Adiala Jail.Barrister Aqeel Malik said the government’s stance is aimed at maintaining peace and security. He explained that visitors should give an affidavit to the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, committing that they would not engage in political discussions or make media statements after meeting the PTI founder.  “The purpose of the affidavit is to ensure that peace and order are not disturbed and that no security issues arise,” he said.

He accused PTI leaders, lawyers and family members of violating jail rules, alleging that attempts were made to give a religious touch to protests by sitting in the middle of the road outside Adiala Jail. He questioned why, after meetings, details are shared in evening television programs instead of respecting jail regulations.The minister emphasized that Parliament is the best forum for negotiations, adding that the existing negotiation committee has not been dissolved.

He claimed there is confusion within PTI, including between its founder and party leadership, over the issue of talks. Barrister Aqeel Malik also noted that the prime minister has repeatedly extended invitations for negotiations and that the government has created an environment conducive to dialogue.The exchange highlights deepening mistrust between the government and PTI, with both sides holding each other responsible for the stalled negotiation process.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)