7 govt parties to be consulted on PTI demands: Irfan Siddiqui

Commenting on PTI’s demands, Siddiqui describes them as complex and of significant gravity

By Our Correspondent
January 15, 2025
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui. —XIrfanUHSiddiqui/ File
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui. —XIrfanUHSiddiqui/ File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) parliamentary leader in the Senate and government’s negotiation committee spokesperson Senator Irfan Siddiqui Tuesday said that the committee would not be dissolved on January 31.

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“A positive outcome is our priority, not merely meeting a deadline,” he said in interaction with the media.

Siddiqui explained that the seven political parties represented in the government’s negotiation committee needed time to consult their respective leaderships before formulating a unified response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s demands. He emphasized that a consensus among the parties was essential before the committee could present a collective stance, adding that this process may take some time.

Commenting on PTI’s demands, Siddiqui described them as complex and of significant gravity.

He clarified that while the government committee has not made any demands so far, it may propose certain suggestions if the dialogue process moves forward smoothly. These proposals, he noted, would be “Pakistan- and people-specific” rather than focused on individuals or political parties.

Responding to a question, he recalled that during the December 23 meeting, the PTI had committed to submit its demands in writing. However, even after three weeks, no written demands have been received. He hoped that the PTI would present its demands in the next meeting, after which the government committee would respond accordingly. The PMLN lawmaker also addressed concerns about civil disobedience and social media campaigns, clarifying that the government committee has not asked the PTI to call off such activities or cease negative social media rhetoric. “PTI’s demands are not merely a letter that can be answered immediately. The nature of these demands requires time for serious deliberations,” he said.

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