Barrister Saif denies talks with federal govt

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif on Wednesday said the provincial government was neither engaged in talks with the federal government nor any other institution.

Speaking to the media outside the Peshawar High Court, he said though they believed in dialogue and had held negotiations with a banned organization in the past, no parleys were presently taking place with the federal government.

Barrister Saif, who is Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, dismissed reports about participation in the governor’s proposed grand jirga, noting that the decision rested with the provincial government. He added that no decision had yet been made regarding attending the all-parties conference (APC).

Referring to cases registered against him, Barrister Saif said, “The federal government has lodged false cases against us. I have six cases filed against me. We have protested before and will continue to do so until this government is ousted.”

He reiterated the right of every citizen to peaceful protest, saying that demonstrations, rallies, and sit-ins were integral to political movements.

Touching on peace talks, Barrister Saif remarked, “I have always been an advocate of negotiations, including with the Taliban. We even negotiated with the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). While we believe in dialogue, no talks are currently underway. If PTI founding chairman Imran Khan allows, we will consider holding negotiations.”

Criticizing the federal government, he accused it of resorting to violence against unarmed protesters.

“This government has no right to label us disruptors. They are the ones who fired on peaceful protestors,” he added.

He said the federal government’s sole responsibility was to ensure border security.

About the efforts to restore peace to Kurram tribal district, Barrister Saif noted the grand jirga was making efforts to maintain peace, broker a lasting ceasefire.