Pakistani government, opposition start talks amid calls for Imran Khan’s release First round ends positively

Committees representing Pakistan's ruling coalition and the opposition party Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice) (PTI) have initiated their first round of discussions to mitigate the country's prolonged political turmoil.

While this meeting marks only the initial stage, both sides have agreed to begin substantive inter-party consultations on January 2, 2025, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

Key agreements from the first round

The parties agreed that representatives of the PTI would draft a written list of demands and grievances to be reviewed by a government committee in the next round of talks. In the interim, the PTI has emphasized two key demands: the release of political prisoners, and judicial investigations.

The opposition seeks the immediate release of its activists and supporters, including prominent figures jailed during the May 9, 2023 riots and the November 26, 2024 protests. The PTI has called for judicial inquiries into the aforementioned events, which saw violence and casualties involving security forces and protesters.

Imran Khan’s role in negotiations

Notably, these negotiations include discussions on the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The talks were preceded by a PTI protest march in Islamabad earlier this month, demanding Khan's release. The march resulted in casualties on both sides, highlighting the urgency for a resolution to Pakistan’s deepening political crisis.

International and domestic pressure

The decision to begin negotiations follows mounting international pressure and growing domestic instability. Observers attribute this move to calls from prominent global figures advocating for Khan's release. Influential voices include: Richard Grenell, former US Ambassador to Germany and associate of Donald Trump; George Galloway, British MP; Jeremy Corbyn, former UK Labour Party leader.

The PTI has amplified these calls, stating on its social media platform: “Global voices are rising for the release of Imran Khan, who is arbitrarily and politically imprisoned in false and fabricated cases.”

Indian media has also noted the increasing pressure on Pakistan's "establishment-backed ruling party" to address PTI’s demands, suggesting that international scrutiny played a significant role in pushing the talks forward.

Political turmoil since Khan’s ouster

Imran Khan’s ouster in April 2022 via a no-confidence vote has fueled ongoing political instability in Pakistan. Khan accused the United States of orchestrating his removal, a claim strongly denied by Washington. His imprisonment on charges his supporters label as politically motivated has become a flashpoint for both domestic and international criticism.

Outlook

The positive tone of the initial talks has raised hopes for easing tensions and achieving political stability. However, the success of these negotiations hinges on the next round in January, where substantial progress on contentious issues, including the fate of Imran Khan, is anticipated.

Pakistan remains at a critical juncture, with the outcome of these talks likely to shape its political landscape in 2025 and beyond.

By Khagan Isayev