On Friday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the federal government does not take Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s January 31 deadline for result-oriented talks seriously, dismissing it as a “face-saving” gesture from the party. PTI’s negotiation committee had set this deadline after meeting party founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, reiterating demands for 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 (SIC) and a PTI dialogue team member, said Imran Khan was willing to forgive those responsible for his mistreatment for Pakistan’s sake, while also stating that PTI’s civil disobedience campaign, including the “boycott of remittances,” would continue despite ongoing talks.
Tarar claimed that PTI’s ultimatum reflected the party’s political setbacks, adding that the call for overseas Pakistanis to stop sending remittances would fail like its previous protests, such as the “final call” demonstration in Islamabad last month. He further pointed out the party’s repeated failures, including in the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the “do-or-die” protest. Responding to rumors about PTI leader Imran Khan being offered a deal for house arrest or transfer to a prison in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI holds power, Tarar strongly denied these reports. His comments came amid ongoing negotiations between the government and opposition, which began earlier this week in Parliament following months of political tension.
