PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has said that he still doubts the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s intention to hold dialogue with the government, saying that past efforts have not proven successful “because” of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

“This is harsh but the reality is that there is no chain of command, no decision-making forum, and no discipline in PTI,” he said while appearing on the Aaj News programme Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, PTI MNA Sher Afzal Marwat called for dialogue and asked Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah to set TORs for the talks. His statement was welcomed by Sanaullah and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

The premier’s adviser invited Khan’s party for a dialogue and advised the party to not constrain itself to TV shows and press releases.

But Siddiqui was still doubtful of the former ruling party’s efforts. He mentioned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s statement of “taking up arms”. The PML-N leader wondered if it was a way of communication.

“I don’t think there is any seriousness within the PTI. I don’t think the seven-member committee decision will be accepted,” he said.

Siddiqui, who is close to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, stated that similar efforts were made in the past, but they failed as former prime minister Khan did not give nod to it.

“Only one man is an obstacle and that person is Imran Khan.”

When asked, he said Nawaz would address the people when needed. He clarified that the PML-N president was “not retired from politics” and was part of the party’s key decisions.

KP CM Gandapur’s brother Faisal Amin was also on the show via video link. In response to a question on Gandpur’s statement, he said: “Tempers will run high if my workers are killed, dragged, shot dead, and harassed.”

When pressed on the question, Faisal clarified that such statements were made in “heat of the moment”. He alleged that his province’s people were not treated fairly.

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“The chief minister does not control borders. If I have to die then I will be prepared. I should die for a cause and I should have a right of defence.”

The PTI lawmaker wondered how the party would have any clarity over the talks if the KP chief minister is not allowed to meet the party chief in jail.

He described reports of alleged rifts between his brother and Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi as “disinformation” and added that the former first lady was “willingly” living in the province.