ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would pursue a policy of both “resistance and negotiations” but is not ruling out the possibility of reconsidering a February 8 protest call provided there is forward movement in potential talks with the government and other stakeholders, according to a senior party leader.
With renewed calls for dialogue, PTI is giving mixed signals. The party said it gave permission to Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP), an opposition alliance, to start talks with the government, but at the same time insists on the agitation.
“This is not a one-point agenda. Resistance is part of our politics and our right,” Asad Qaiser, senior PTI leader, told The Express Pakinomist here on Monday.
“But we are also serious about dialogue and collective decisions. The Chief Minister’s position is part of the broader strategy. It is about upholding our rights,” added Qaiser, the former Speaker of the National Assembly.
Qaiser represents the PTI in the grand opposition alliance and currently serves as the general secretary of the TTAP, which recently responded positively to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for dialogue.
Amid calls for reconciliation, PTI’s senior leader defended the party’s stand. He stressed that the calls for protests were fully in line with PTI’s broader strategy and had the approval of the leadership.
When asked if the PTI’s stance of resistance would hinder its ability to negotiate effectively with the government, Qaiser replied: “We cannot just sit idly by while injustices are happening. Our leader, Imran Khan, is in jail and our basic rights are being denied. We must continue our fight for justice.”
Qaiser further elaborated that PTI’s approach to negotiations was not personal but based on principles. “We advocate for the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, civil supremacy and human rights,” he said. “PTI’s objective remains clear: free, fair and acceptable elections.”
Qaiser stated whether the PTI had set any red lines for negotiations that there were no hard limits. “When the agenda is discussed, it will be seen what is possible and what is not. There are no red lines as such,” he said. “But our core principles, the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law and democracy are non-negotiable.”
While rumors of backdoor talks with the government have circulated, Qaiser confirmed that there had been no such interactions so far. However, he reiterated that the PTI remained open to discussions with any party to uphold the constitution and restore democracy. “We are not seeking any NRO for ourselves or for Imran Khan,” he said. “We can talk to anyone, but our principles will not change.”
