In view of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) threat of civil disobedience, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif believed that “meaningful negotiations” with the former ruling party were not possible under the current circumstances.
Talking to Geo News In Sialkot on Sunday, the Defense Minister said that I do not think that meaningful negotiations with the PTI are possible in the current situation. [political] environment, created by the former ruling party.”
Earlier this month, the jailed PTI founder, who was ousted as prime minister in a no-confidence vote in 2022, warned the government that his demands, including a crackdown on party supporters, would be met. Downe would launch a “civil disobedience” movement if she was judicially investigated. have not been found.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Imran – who claimed to have a “trump card” – announced the formation of a negotiating committee comprising Umar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Asad Qaiser. And others were involved.
He said the committee would discuss two points with the federal government – the release of “political prisoners” facing trial and the formation of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023, and the night against the PTI. Gone is the crackdown. Protesters on November 26
“If these two demands are not accepted, a civil disobedience movement will be launched from December 14,” the jailed former prime minister said, adding that the government would be responsible for the outcome of the movement. Later, the party founded by Khan extended the date of civil disobedience to 16 December.
In response to a question, the minister said that he did not know about the negotiations with the former ruling party, statements regarding the negotiations are coming from the former ruling party.
He further said that no negative statement came from the treasury benches with PTI.
The federal minister further said that PTI leadership is not on the same page on various issues.
Last week, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denied Aleema Khan’s claim of being offered the immediate release of her brother and party founder.
Barrister Gauhar said that the talk of releasing the PTI founder in 20 days in return for ending the sit-in is wrong.
Greece boat incident ‘system failure’
Turning to the Greek boat accident, the minister admitted: “The Greek boat incident is a failure of our system.”
Among others, one Pakistani national lost his life in the boat tragedy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) confirmed, adding that 47 other Pakistanis had been rescued.
Being part of the government, Asif said that the issue should be resolved on a priority basis. He said that people sell their properties to send their children abroad.
It is worth mentioning here that hundreds of Pakistanis travel abroad through illegal means every year and some of them lose their lives on the way.
He warned people that the “whole system”, which smuggles people abroad, is linked to “slave traders”.
He added that those who travel abroad illegally end up in prisons or face death.
The minister also criticized government officials for “misconduct,” saying the system to stop illegal immigrants has been “compromised.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) today confirmed that 47 Pakistani nationals have been rescued from a boat capsizing near Greece while one more migrant has been confirmed dead in the accident.
The ministry clarified the situation but also hinted at the possibility of additional casualties, as rescue operations are still underway.
At least five migrants drowned after a wooden boat capsized near the southern Greek island of Goudos, the coast guard said on Saturday, while several others were missing as the search operation continued.