Khawaja Asif Rules Out ‘Meaningful Talks’ with PTI Amid Political Tensions

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has dismissed the possibility of “meaningful negotiations” with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing the current political climate as a significant hurdle.

Asif remarked while speaking to Geo News in Sialkot on Sunday, “I don’t think the PTI can engage in meaningful talks in the current [political] atmosphere created by the former ruling party.”

PTI issued a threat to launch a civil disobedience movement if they do not meet their demands, including a judicial investigation into the crackdown on their supporters.

Earlier this month, PTI’s incarcerated founder and former Prime Minister, ousted via a no-confidence vote in 2022, announced a negotiation committee to engage with the federal government.

This committee includes prominent figures such as Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Asad Qaiser.

The PTI founder vowed to launch a civil disobedience movement on December 14 if authorities failed to meet their demands, including releasing political prisoners and forming a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and the November 26 crackdown.

However, the date was later extended to December 16. The jailed leader emphasized that the government would bear responsibility for any outcomes of the movement.

Asif noted the lack of unified messaging within PTI, saying, “The PTI leadership is not on the same page on various matters.”

He also pointed out that no official communication about negotiations had come from the government side, with all statements regarding talks originating from PTI.

Adding to the political drama, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan recently refuted claims made by Aleema Khan regarding an offer to release the PTI founder in exchange for ending the ongoing sit-in. Barrister Gohar labeled the claims as baseless.

Greece Boat Tragedy: A Stark Reminder of Systemic Failures

Shifting focus to the tragic Greece boat incident, Khawaja Asif admitted, “The Greece boat incident is a failure of our system.”

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), one Pakistani national lost their life, while 47 others were rescued.

The incident underscores the peril faced by migrants attempting to travel abroad through illegal means.

Asif stressed the need to address this issue urgently, stating, “People sell their properties to send their children abroad,” often falling victim to human trafficking networks.

He described these networks as “slave traders” and criticized government officials for failing to curb illegal migration, accusing them of misconduct and compromise.

MoFA confirmed the rescue of 47 Pakistani nationals and the death of one individual in the capsizing near the Greek island of Gavdos.

However, the possibility of additional casualties remains as rescue operations continue. The Greek coastguard reported that at least five migrants drowned, with several others still missing.

Asif called for stricter measures to dismantle the networks facilitating illegal migration and to ensure the safety of citizens attempting to seek opportunities abroad.

“Those who travel illegally often end up in jails or face death,” he warned, highlighting the dire consequences of unchecked migration channels.