Aaj English TV

Monday, February 17, 2025  
18 Shaban 1446  

PTI wants to harm country by protesting: Afzal

Afzal dismissed these threats, asserting that public support for the PTI's actions is waning

Rana Ehsan Afzal, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and special assistant to the Prime Minister, accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of sabotaging ongoing negotiations, claiming the party failed to engage seriously and instead resorted to its usual tactics of disrupting the country under the guise of protest.

Speaking on “Spotlight,” a program on Aaj News, Afzal stated that the PML-N had been prepared to discuss various issues with the PTI, including the formation of a judicial commission. He expressed disappointment that the PTI did not participate meaningfully in the talks, ultimately walking out. He added that the PML-N remains open to negotiations until January 31st, but expressed skepticism given the PTI’s recent threats to resume street protests and block roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Afzal dismissed these threats, asserting that public support for the PTI’s actions is waning. He further emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue, citing its handling of journalist protests regarding the PECA Act as an example of its commitment to peaceful resolution. He confirmed that the Lahore administration would grant permission for PTI protests in Lahore.

Barrister Ali Zafar, a senior PTI leader, countered these claims, stating that the government’s narrative is inaccurate. He argued that the November 26th events—a reference to PTI protests—were not solely the PTI’s fault and that the government is avoiding the formation of an independent judicial commission, despite numerous precedents in Pakistan. Zafar highlighted that PTI Chairman Imran Khan initiated negotiations in good faith but found the government unwilling or unable to resolve the issues. He confirmed that Khan has now opted for a full-scale political battle, with preparations underway. He also stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur faces no threat to his position.

Afzal further alleged that the PTI’s objective is not a judicial commission but rather Imran Khan’s release, and that the government remains unfazed by the PTI’s renewed threats of street protests. He asserted that the establishment maintains a clear stance against political interference.

Senior journalist and analyst Aamer Ilyas Rana offered a different perspective, suggesting that the PTI’s proposed January 28th deadline for negotiations might have been strategically timed to coincide with the arrival of the Trump administration, creating the impression of resistance. He also noted that the new PTI president in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Junaid Akbar, needs to gain momentum, and that while Gandapur hasn’t faced censure, he’s been given 45 days to improve governance.

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Barrister Ali Zafar

Ehsaan Afzal