“We have clearly stated that we need access to Imran Khan. This is a question mark on the government and its intentions,” Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub said at a press conference in Islamabad.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja accompanied him at the press conference.

In the second round of negotiations with the government, the PTI negotiating committee demanded the ruling coalition’s team give access to Khan for the ‘Charter of Demand’.

The government has asked the former ruling party to submit a written document, containing a list of demands. The PTI has sought the formation of a judicial commission on May 9 and November 26 and the release of all “political prisoners”.

It was expected to meet Khan in the jail on Monday or Tuesday (today), according to PTI negotiation committee spokesperson Sahibzada Hamid Raza. He warned that the PTI would make a decision if access to Khan was not granted.

“If we are not allowed to meet Khan tomorrow then the committee may decide itself by holding a meeting,” he said while appearing on the Aaj News programme Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir on Monday.

Raza argued that as per the jail manual, the administration cannot install bugs inside. When asked if the PTI would take to the streets if a meeting was not arranged with Khan, he replied in affirmative. “Yes, we can. It is an option.”

He added that the parliamentary party, political committee, core committee, and negotiation committee have given their recommendations over the last 15 days. “If talks are unsuccessful by January 31, then we will announce a new strategy.”

At the presser, the PTI leaders confirmed that there was a deadlock in negotiations and expressed concerns that they were not being allowed to meet Khan “in a free environment.”

“Inquire with the government about the deadlock in negotiations. Definitely ask the government why we have not been allowed to meet Imran Khan,” Ayub stated in response to a question during a press conference.

On the other hand, government ministers are describing negotiations with PTI as a “fruitless exercise.”

While speaking at the press conference, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan mentioned that Khan has stated that their demands for negotiations with the government include the formation of a judicial commission regarding the events of May 9 and November 26, as well as the release of prisoners.

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“Imran Khan insists that there will be no discussions until accountability is provided for the bloodshed that occurred on November 26.”

PTI leaders raised questions about the government’s “seriousness” regarding the talks. “There will be no meeting with Imran Khan tomorrow,” Gohar said and noted that the perception surrounding the Al-Qadir Trust “is being framed as a deal.”

Ayub stated: “We have to take instructions from the PTI founder.” He noted that no updates regarding a meeting have been received yet. He also mentioned that Khan has said: “I have forgiven what happened to me.”