PTI leader blames govt for pause in negotiations

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said on Thursday that negotiations had paused due to the government’s stubbornness and obstinacy.

“The PTI founder has made the establishment of a judicial commission mandatory for holding the third round of talks with the government,” he said while speaking at a press conference.He questioned how the government could meet their major demands if they cannot even arrange one meeting with the committee and Imran Khan.

He alleged that the PTI founder was being kept in a death cell meant for terrorists, deprived of access to TV, restrooms and visitation facilities.“We are being told to submit our demands in writing. We have never backed down from our stance. PTI founder Imran Khan has given the government an opportunity despite oppression and fascism. Our demand is to grant access to the founder-chairman, but that did not happen for the past three and a half months. Even lawyers are not allowed to meet him,” he alleged.

The PTI lawmaker also said that they had demonstrated seriousness regarding their demands and reiterated that the founder-chairman had termed the formation of a judicial commission essential before the third session with the government.

He questioned, “If they cannot arrange one meeting with the committee and Imran Khan, how would they meet our bigger demands?”He alleged that Imran Khan was being subjected to inhumane treatment in prison, and false claims were being made about the facilities provided. “Is the cell where the founder is being kept appropriate? He is being held in a terrorist death cell, without access to TV, restrooms, or visitation facilities,” he claimed.

Waqas Akram said that there was a court order to allow the PTI founder to communicate with his children, but it was not being implemented.“When Nawaz Sharif was in Adiala Jail, he was asked about the menu for lunch and dinner,” he remarked.In a sarcastic tone, Waqas Akram Sheikh said, “Are you losing sleep over the thought of what will happen to you if the PTI founder comes out?”