ISLAMABAD: Casting doubt on the sincerity of the party founded by Imran Khan, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday advised the government negotiating committee to be cautious while negotiating with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Calling it a complete U-turn, the defense minister asked: “I am asking again and again what happened to this person? [PTI founder Imran Khan] Who did not even want to shake hands with us. [is now desperately seeking dialogue with the government]”
Addressing the Geo News Program “Today with Shahzeb Khanzada”, the minister added: “I don’t see sincerity in PTI. [leadership]”
His remarks came after National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq formally called for an in-camera meeting of the committees representing the government and Tehreek-e-Insaf on January 2, 2025 to defuse the current political tension in the country.
The important meeting between the ruling alliance and Imran Khan’s established party will be held at Parliament House at 11 am.
The minister reiterated that he was not against talks but the ruling coalition should be cautious.
Taking a dig at the former ruling party, he said, “Look at their disappointment, PTI wants to negotiate with the establishment through us.”
In response to a question, the federal minister said that the government will not compromise on nuclear and missile programs.
‘All power centers should be part of the dialogue’
Addressing an event on December 28, the defense minister said he was in favor of dialogue, highlighting that all power centers in the country must come together to find a solution and be part of the dialogue.
“There is the army, the bureaucracy, the politicians, the judiciary and the media. These are the centers of power and they need to come together to solve the country’s problems,” Asif said.
However, the PML-N leader warned the government’s negotiating team not to let PTI founder Khan “take advantage of you”.
During the talks, the PTI demanded a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots and the November 26 late-night crackdown and the release of “political prisoners”.