ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is reportedly pursuing a policy of both “resistance and negotiations”, but is not ruling out the possibility of reconsidering a call for protests on February 8 provided that potential negotiations with the government and other stakeholders move forward, according to a senior party leader.
With new calls for dialogue, the PTI is giving mixed signals. The party said it had authorized Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP), an opposition alliance, to begin talks with the government, but at the same time insisted on agitation.
“It is not a one-point agenda. Resistance is part of our politics and law,” senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser told The Express PK Press Club on Monday.
“However, we also take dialogue and collective decisions seriously. The chief minister’s stance is part of this larger strategy. It is all about upholding our rights,” added Qaiser, the former speaker of the National Assembly.
Qaiser represents the PTI in the Opposition Grand Alliance and is currently general secretary of TTAP, which recently responded positively to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for dialogue.
Amid calls for reconciliation, the senior PTI leader defended the party’s position. He stressed that the calls for protests were fully aligned with the PTI’s broader strategy and had the approval of the leadership.
Asked if the PTI’s stance on resistance would hamper its ability to negotiate effectively with the government, Qaiser said: “We cannot stand idly by while injustices occur. Our leader, Imran Khan, is in jail and our fundamental rights are being violated. We must continue our struggle for justice.”
Qaiser further clarified that PTI’s approach to negotiations was not personal but principled. “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.”
Responding to a question whether the PTI had set any red lines for the negotiations, Qaiser said there were no hard limits. “When the agenda is discussed, we will see what is possible and what is not. There are no red lines as such,” he said. “But our fundamental principles, the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law and democracy, are non-negotiable.”
Moreover, while rumors of clandestine engagements with the government have been circulating, Qaiser confirmed that there have 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 looking for any NRO for ourselves or for Imran Khan,” he said. “We can talk to anyone, but our principles will not change.”
