The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) presented its ‘Charter of Demands’ to the government, calling for the establishment of a judicial commission to look into the events of May 9 and November 26.
The written demands, which were shared with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, also include a call for the release of political leaders and workers currently imprisoned.
The charter, drafted by Omar Ayub in his capacity as opposition leader and head of the PTI negotiating committee, sets out two main demands.
The first demand states that the government establishes two separate commissions under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2017, which would be headed by the Chief Justice or three sitting judges of the Supreme Court. The PTI insists that these commissions be formed within 7 days, and that the debates be open to the public and the media.
A commission is specifically tasked with investigating the legality of Imran Khan’s arrest, including the actions of Rangers and Islamabad High Court police. She will also investigate incidents across the country following Khan’s arrest, including CCTV footage from sensitive locations and the treatment of those arrested during the May 9 protests.
The second part of the PTI’s demands focuses on media censorship, restrictions on reporting and the government’s internet shutdown during the incidents. The PTI has demanded accountability for these actions and seeks to clarify their legal and social impacts.
Additionally, the charter demands the immediate release of political prisoners, particularly those arrested in connection with the May 9 events, and a review of multiple FIRs registered against individuals involved in the protests.
This development follows two previous dialogue sessions held on December 27, 2024 and January 2, 2025. The third round of talks, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today at Parliament, was convened by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The much-awaited step comes after the PTI negotiating committee visited former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. The meeting, which had been delayed due to the party’s inability to meet its leader, paved the way for today’s talks.
The party has set January 31, 2025 as the deadline for negotiations to reach a “logical conclusion”, although the Prime Minister’s adviser on political and public affairs, Rana Sanaullah, suggested extending this date until January 28. FEBRUARY.
