Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has accused senior government officials Maryam Nawaz and Khawaja Asif of deliberately trying to derail ongoing negotiations .
Responding to the two leaders’ recent comments, Qaiser claimed that their statements were part of an attempt to sabotage the dialogue process. “The way Khawaja Asif and Maryam Nawaz are speaking, they are trying to block the negotiations by all possible means,” he told the media. “Then they accuse Imran Khan of tweeting.”
Qaiser pointed out that PTI members had been victims of injustice, referring to the events of November 26, when party members were allegedly denied basic rights and civilians were shot dead by police.
He also highlighted how military courts treated PTI supporters involved in the May 9 incidents, saying military trials against civilians were unconstitutional.
“Despite these difficulties, PTI remains a victim in this situation,” Qaiser said, reiterating that the party’s demands and grievances had been moderated to help the country move forward.
He urged the government to respond to the growing sense of despair in the country, which he attributes to deteriorating border conditions and the fragility of Pakistan’s economy.
Qaiser reiterated PTI’s commitment to Pakistan’s future, saying, “We are moving forward for the sake of the country. We are not afraid or intimidated by anyone. If we have given up some of our demands, it is only for the good of Pakistan.
Despite the continuing challenges, Qaiser asserted that the PTI had not abandoned its principles, particularly regarding the rule of law, an independent judiciary, civil supremacy and a strong parliament. “We want a government that truly represents the people and is based on constitutional rules,” he added.
In a strongly worded statement, Qaiser remarked that PTI founder Imran Khan was emerging as a global leader, enduring enormous personal hardship in prison for the sake of Pakistan’s future. “The entire nation stands with him,” he said.
The PTI chief also spoke about the government’s failure to arrange a meeting between Khan and the negotiating team, suggesting that the government was using delaying tactics.
“The government promised that we would meet Imran Khan, but now they are making excuses,” Qaiser said. “We remain committed to dialogue, but our demands remain clear and firm.”
