The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf negotiation committee met its leader Imran Khan in Adiala Jail on Sunday afternoon, after the government gave its nod.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met Imran Khan one-on-one before the meeting with the committee began.

Sahibzada Hamid Raza, speaking to the media following the meeting, provided an update on ongoing negotiations with the government. The meeting, he stated, took place in a controlled environment, with Salman Akram Raja and Hamid Khan unable to attend due to inclement weather.

Speaking after the meeting, Sahibzada Hamid Raza said that the negotations will proceed as per Imran’s instructions.

Raza categorically denied any responsibility for the events of May 9 and November 26, reiterating the PTI’s demand for an impartial commission to investigate both incidents. He proposed that a serving Supreme Court judge head this commission. He confirmed the PTI’s readiness for a third round of negotiations with the government, stating that they would inform the negotiating team of any instructions received from Imran Khan. He emphasized that the government holds the power to form this commission, and the lack of such a commission would halt further dialogue.

The release of imprisoned PTI members, Raza stressed, remains a central demand. He rejected any unilateral decisions and asserted that the onus is now on the government to demonstrate its seriousness in resolving the situation. The PTI’s deadline, he confirmed, remains January 31st, with any extension contingent upon progress and a decision by Imran Khan. He clarified that no executive orders or NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) are being sought, and that Imran Khan himself did not discuss his own release during the meeting. Raza expressed confidence that Imran Khan would be exonerated from all cases.

Regarding the Al-Qadir Trust case, Raza expressed concern that an adverse judgment could exacerbate tensions. However, he confirmed that Imran Khan had instructed that negotiations would continue regardless of the court’s decision. He also clarified that any member of the negotiating committee has the authority to speak on behalf of the committee. He further stated that the final decision on the Al-Qadir Trust case would not reflect positively on Pakistan’s image, emphasizing that it was not a personal university.

Govt allows meeting with Khan in jail

“The meeting is scheduled to take place at 2:30pm,” the NA spokesperson said in a statement.

Earlier, Aaj News reported the development via sources. But the government did mention the nature of the meeting.

After the end of the second round of negotiations with the government, the PTI’s committee has demanded “unmonitored and unhindered” access to Khan. But such a request has not been approved and the government has wondered what they want to discuss in such an environment.

According to the former ruling party, the jail manual does not allow “bugging” and surveillance.

Reports said the government had linked the meeting with the party’s written demands. Earlier this week, Khan allowed his party to comply with such a request, however, he warned that the talks should not be prolonged.

“Following the speaker’s message, the government has arranged for a meeting of the negotiating committee at Adiala Jail,” said the statement.

Leader of Opposition in NA Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser contact NA Speaker Sadiq

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and PTI MNA Asad Qaiser reached out to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq via telephone.

Both leaders “formally requested” a meeting of the committee with the PTI founder, according to the assembly’s spokesperson.

“The NA speaker has informed the government about the messages from both leaders,” it said and clarified that the speaker’s role was limited to conveying the messages. He urged the government to facilitate a meeting of the committee with Khan.

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reiterated the need for constructive and positive dialogue between the government and opposition. “It is a testament to the NA speaker’s success that those who previously refused to shake hands are now sitting together at the same table.”

PTI seeks third round of talks

On Saturday, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, the PTI negotiation committee spokesperson, suggested National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq hold the third round of negotiations with the government committee tomorrow (Sunday) or the day after it.

“The opposition’s negotiation committee is ready for the third meeting, scheduled for either Sunday, January 12 or Monday, January 13,” he said in a statement.

Raza claimed that Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub attempted to contact the NA speaker by phone earlier in the day, but was “unsuccessful.” He mentioned that the NA speaker had been informed via message.

In the second meeting of the negotiation committees, he reiterated that assurances were given regarding a meeting with the PTI founder.

Raza criticised the government committee for failing to arrange a meeting with the PTI founder, stating that it was a “complete failure.” He urged the NA speaker to inform the nation that the government has “failed to fulfil its commitments.”

PTI-government meetings

Since former prime minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment last year on multiple charges, the relationship between the PTI and both the government and military establishment has soured significantly. The deterioration has been marked by protests that often turned violent amid government crackdowns.

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In light of the unrest, Khan formed a five-member committee to engage in talks with “anyone,” indicating a change in the PTI’s parliamentary approach. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assembled a committee composed of ruling coalition members.

The first meeting between the government and PTI committees took place on December 23, marking the beginning of much-anticipated negotiations aimed at reducing political tensions in the country. It ended with the decision that Khan’s party would present its demands to the committee, which it would review and present to the prime minister.

The PTI has set a January 31 deadline to finalise the negotiations. In the second meeting, the PTI could not present the ‘Charter of Demands’ as it wanted to consult Khan before presenting a written document.