RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a stern ultimatum to the coalition government, demanding the formation of a judicial commission within seven days to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024. The party’s chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, revealed that this directive came directly from PTI’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, who has conditioned further dialogue on the government’s response.
Speaking to the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Gohar stressed the importance of establishing the commission to address key events that the PTI considers pivotal to Pakistan’s political landscape. “We want to continue dialogue with the government, but only if a judicial commission is formed,” he stated firmly, clarifying the party’s stance following three rounds of negotiations with the ruling coalition.
Backdrop of the Demand
The PTI has long sought clarity and accountability on the May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, incidents. As part of its ongoing negotiations with the government, the party submitted a detailed Charter of Demands during the third round of talks on January 16, which also calls for the release of Imran Khan and other jailed party leaders and supporters.
The demands were presented in writing to the government’s negotiation committee, led by members of the coalition under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The committee was formed to review the opposition’s grievances, a development confirmed last week by PM’s aide on political affairs, Rana Sanaullah.
A Divided Negotiation Landscape
Gohar’s remarks come amidst criticisms of PTI’s engagement with multiple stakeholders, including a direct meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. PTI officials, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, reportedly held a “positive and direct” discussion with General Munir, presenting the party’s concerns.
This meeting drew criticism from Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a government spokesperson, who recently stated, “Negotiations cannot be conducted simultaneously through multiple channels.” However, Imran Khan defended the meeting, describing it as focused solely on law and order and urging critics not to sensationalize it.
The Way Forward
According to Gohar, Imran Khan has instructed the party to abandon talks entirely if the judicial commission is not constituted within the stipulated timeline. “Negotiations will be meaningless if the government fails to meet this demand,” Gohar said, urging government officials to approach the dialogue process with patience rather than haste.
He emphasized that the PTI remains committed to dialogue but reiterated the importance of accountability and transparency. The formation of two separate commissions to investigate the cited events remains a non-negotiable condition.
Government’s Response
The coalition government has not yet issued a definitive statement regarding the establishment of the judicial commission. The PTI’s ultimatum places further pressure on the ruling coalition as it navigates complex political negotiations amidst growing tensions.
As the deadline looms, all eyes remain on whether the government will act decisively to address the PTI’s demands or risk a collapse in talks, potentially escalating political unrest in the country.
