Sheikh Rasheed Comments on PTI’s Negotiations, Warns of Limited Outcome

Rawalpindi: Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, the head of the Awami Muslim League and former federal minister, has expressed skepticism about the potential outcomes of the ongoing negotiations between the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) and the government. Speaking to the media outside an Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi, Sheikh Rasheed acknowledged that PTI had formed a committee for talks with the government, but he doubted that these negotiations would yield any meaningful results.
He remarked, “It’s good that PTI has formed a committee for negotiations with the government, but nothing will come of it. The grave belongs to one person; two can’t go in. One has to enter, and the other stays out.”
Sheikh Rasheed further emphasized the importance of negotiations, stating, “Negotiations are always a good thing. Even after wars, talks happen. But if nothing comes out of these negotiations, we may see some intense consequences.”
Referring to the tragic events of November 26, 2023, he condemned the day as “horrific and full of cruelty,” and reiterated that the situation in Pakistan was politically unstable. “I had already predicted that instability would persist until December 30. November 26 was a bloody day.”
Sheikh Rasheed also spoke about his recent meeting with PTI’s founder, Imran Khan. “I had a lengthy meeting with Imran Khan, and when I came out, I said that it’s better to keep the talks brief. Imran Khan said to me, ‘You and I are the same. One and one doesn’t make two, it makes eleven. Our eleven is a sign of improvement.'”
Despite the tense political environment, Sheikh Rasheed expressed hope that the situation would improve, citing conversations with people during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. “Everyone I met there prayed for Pakistan’s safety,” he added.
In conclusion, Sheikh Rasheed reiterated his support for negotiations but clarified that his allegiance is only to Imran Khan, emphasizing, “I have a connection with only one person, and that is the founder of PTI. I don’t know anyone else.”