Government-PTI Talks Collapse Over K-P Security Operation Proposals
ISLAMABAD: Talks between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) broke down after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on proposed measures concerning the security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Sources said the government and PTI had initially reached an understanding on a five-point framework before negotiations ended on Saturday. The proposed agreement included legal facilities for PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, early hearings of pending cases and access to lawyers and family members.
The framework was reportedly discussed at the residence of PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan before the formal meeting of the government and opposition committees.
Sources said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry separately met Gohar Khan, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Asad Qaiser before the formal negotiations.
During the discussions, the participants agreed that any decisions reached during the talks would be documented in writing. Naqvi also briefed the opposition representatives about approvals reportedly obtained at the relevant level on several issues.
The first point of the proposed framework involved a meeting between the prime minister and the two opposition leaders to discuss political matters and find ways to reduce tensions.
Under the second point, government and opposition representatives would form committees to address political issues and work on implementing agreed decisions within a defined timeframe.
The third point focused on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. According to the proposed framework, they would receive legal and constitutional facilities, access to lawyers and family members and treatment according to jail rules.
The government had also reportedly agreed to support the early hearing of pending cases in accordance with legal requirements. Sources further claimed that a sympathetic approach would be considered in cases involving senior and elderly PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
The fourth point became the main source of disagreement. It concerned the worsening security situation in K-P and proposed cooperation between the provincial and federal governments against terrorism.
Under the draft arrangement, the K-P government would cooperate with the federal authorities in implementing the National Action Plan. The proposal also included the possibility of using the constitutional provision for imposing an emergency in the province’s three merged districts if required to restrict militant activity.
The framework further suggested that a security operation could be conducted under the proposed arrangement. If the provincial government did not agree to a military operation or was unable to undertake one, police could lead the action with support from the military.
The fifth point involved PTI’s proposed long march. According to sources, the party would withdraw its call for the march if the negotiations resulted in an agreement.
Sources said the initial draft was prepared at around 9:30pm, after which Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reportedly left to obtain the necessary approvals. Leaders of the PML-N and PPP involved in the negotiations also remained in contact with their respective party leadership.
However, the proposed framework later faced objections from the K-P government. Sources said Barrister Gohar forwarded the draft to provincial authorities, which sought several changes to its provisions.
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas reportedly linked his approval to the position of K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Meanwhile, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai reportedly made a meeting with Imran Khan a condition for supporting the proposal.
The PTI negotiating team attempted to address the concerns and told Achakzai that the government side had assured them that a meeting with Imran Khan could take place by Tuesday.
PTI representatives reportedly argued that failure to honour such an assurance could lead the party to reconsider its decision regarding the long march.
The most significant objections, however, reportedly came from K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over the counterterrorism provisions.
According to sources, Afridi sought substantial changes to the clauses concerning operations against militants and the proposed involvement of the federal government and security forces in K-P.
These differences ultimately prevented the two sides from reaching a final agreement, leaving the broader political negotiations unresolved.
