Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and spokesperson for the government’s negotiating committee Senator Irfan Siddiqui has warned of a government response if the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues to boycott talks. He questioned the purpose of the negotiating committee if talks collapse, stating that the government would respond to any actions taken by the PTI outside of the negotiating process.

Speaking to the media, Siddiqui highlighted the importance of tomorrow’s meeting between the government and opposition committees. He criticized the PTI’s boycott as inappropriate, emphasizing that the government had already responded in writing to all of the PTI’s demands within seven working days. He further stated that the government will present these responses at tomorrow’s meeting, rendering the PTI’s boycott unjustified. Siddiqui accused the PTI of acting arbitrarily to secure the release of a single individual.

Siddiqui challenged the PTI to attend the meeting to see the government’s prepared responses, asserting that the government has already conceded to many of their demands. He criticized the PTI for its apparent haste in both initiating and abandoning negotiations.

He clarified that if the PTI fails to attend tomorrow’s meeting, the Speaker will likely dissolve the negotiating committee. He described negotiations as a serious and democratic process, accusing the PTI of undermining the process. He reiterated that the dissolution of the negotiating committee would follow the end of the negotiation process itself.

Earlier, Senator Siddiqui briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the details of the negotiations with the PTI. The Prime Minister stated that avoiding negotiations is undemocratic, creates tension, and harms national unity. He emphasized the need for reconciliation and harmony instead of confrontation.

It is noteworthy that the PTI has announced the termination of negotiations with the government and has informed the Speaker’s secretary of their decision.