Federal Minister Khawaja Asif Questions Feasibility of PTI Talks Without Imran Khan’s Support

Islamabad:Federal Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed doubts about the possibility of successful negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, citing party founder Imran Khan’s lack of trust in his own leadership. Asif pointed out that if Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, has already shown a lack of confidence in his party leaders, any negotiations without his support would be futile.

Speaking on the television program *Naya Pakistan*, Khawaja Asif questioned the practicalities of initiating dialogue with PTI under these circumstances. He remarked that the sudden suggestion of negotiations had surprised many, especially since Imran Khan’s leadership has been marked by internal party issues.

**Imran Khan’s Internal Dissent:**
Asif highlighted the contradiction between Imran Khan’s ongoing lack of trust in his party leadership and any potential for meaningful talks. He emphasized that if Khan himself is not aligned with these negotiations, their success would be highly uncertain.

**Senator Irfan Siddiqui’s Criticism:**
On the other hand, senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Senator Irfan Siddiqui, weighed in on the issue, criticizing PTI for pursuing both negotiations and calls for civil disobedience simultaneously. Siddiqui made it clear that one cannot hold a sword in one hand and extend a handshake with the other, reflecting the contradictory stance PTI is taking.

In his statement, Senator Siddiqui asserted that seeking negotiations for personal concessions while simultaneously advocating for civil disobedience was not a feasible strategy. He urged PTI to focus on its future path without burdening itself with further complications.

**PTI’s Dilemma:**
Siddiqui advised PTI that if the party intends to move forward, it must avoid carrying the weight of conflicting demands and strategies. He stressed that the party’s current internal discord and contradictory actions could hinder its ability to make significant progress.

The ongoing debate between PTI and the ruling parties over talks, civil disobedience, and political maneuvering has intensified, with key political figures continuing to take firm stances on the future direction of the country’s political landscape.