Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a negotiation committee following a recommendation from National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, according to a statement issued on Sunday.
This move comes after PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a warning on December 5, threatening a civil disobedience movement starting December 14 if his demands, including the release of political prisoners and a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, were not addressed.
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PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed on Saturday that the government was forming a negotiation committee after intervention by Speaker Sadiq, stressing that dialogue remains “the only way forward” for both sides.
On Friday, government legal adviser Barrister Aqeel Malik informed TV that the committee’s formation was underway, with members expected to be announced over the weekend.
Speaker Sadiq had earlier offered to mediate, stating on Wednesday that his “office and residence are open 24 hours” to facilitate discussions.
The committee, as announced today, includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PM’s political aide Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP’s Raja Parvez Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, MQM-P’s Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Privatisation Aleem Khan, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Sardar Khalid Magsi.
The statement noted that Barrister Gohar had personally approached Speaker Sadiq the previous evening, urging him to play a key role in initiating negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, appreciating Sadiq’s efforts, approved the formation of the committee with the hope that national security and the country’s interests will be prioritized.
“If Pakistan is secure, we all are secure,” the statement emphasized.
In response, Barrister Gohar welcomed the decision to form the committee, describing it as a positive step forward during a conversation with journalists.
