Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have ended “inconclusively,” citing former first lady Bushra Bibi’s firm stance. According to Asif, Bushra Bibi, who is leading the PTI’s caravan, “can smell blood” and is “in no mood to compromise.”
Asif stated that Bushra Bibi is aware of her proximity to D-Chowk and believes she has become a leader, intent on leveraging the advantage she holds. Asif emphasized that the government had no option but to use force against protesters attempting to enter Islamabad, as PTI remains determined to march towards the capital.
The defence minister also stressed the government’s firm resolve to protect Islamabad, particularly with the Belarusian president visiting the country. He suggested that Bushra Bibi sees this as a “lifetime opportunity” to establish herself as a leader and will press the advantage.
Asif further stated that Bushra Bibi is “in no mood to compromise” and believes that “power is in her hands,” noting that her husband, Imran Khan, is aware of her influence over the situation. He warned that if the protesters reached D-Chowk and staged a sit-in, it would be a major setback for the country.
Reports earlier indicated that the first round of talks between the government and PTI ended without resolution. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif to negotiate on behalf of the federal government. PTI insisted on the immediate release of its jailed leader, Imran Khan, and rejected the government’s offer to stage the sit-in at alternative locations, such as Parade Ground or Peshawar Mor.
PTI supporters have entered Islamabad as part of a call from their imprisoned leader to gather at D-Chowk and remain there until their demands are met. The primary demand is the release of Imran Khan, among other issues. In response, authorities have implemented a security lockdown, blocking major roads and deploying large numbers of police and paramilitary personnel to prevent the protests.
The government has used shipping containers to block roads, while clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement have occurred during previous protests.
