RAWALPINDI:Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has made it clear that negotiations will not proceed unless a judicial commission is formed to investigate the incidents of May 9 and November 26.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Raza, who was accompanied by the negotiation team, revealed that the discussions with the PTI leader took place in a controlled environment, indicating that the terms of the meeting were carefully structured. Raza emphasized that Imran Khan remains firm on the demand for the formation of a judicial commission to probe the two incidents, which have been at the heart of the ongoing political crisis.

According to Raza, Khan has stated that if the commission is not formed by January 31, 2025, the negotiations will come to a halt. He made it clear that only Imran Khan holds the authority to extend the deadline beyond this date, signaling that the PTI leader is committed to ensuring the investigation takes place within this timeframe. The Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman further clarified that while PTI is willing to accept the outcome of the judicial commission, the party will not tolerate any "handpicked" decision. This statement reflects the ongoing mistrust between PTI and the government, with the opposition party insisting on a fair and transparent process. Raza stressed that the commission’s findings must be impartial and credible in order for the results to be accepted. Regarding the negotiations, Raza indicated that for them to progress toward a meaningful resolution, the government must demonstrate its authority in decision-making and ensure the establishment of the judicial commission. He noted that so far, no tangible progress has been made in the talks, which have largely stalled. In anticipation of the third meeting of the government’s negotiation committee, Raza stated that two demands would be formally presented in writing, signaling a move towards making the government address key issues more concretely. Raza also commented on the broader political context, hinting that the upcoming decision, which was expected to be announced the following day, would likely not improve Pakistan’s international reputation.

This comment underscored the frustration of PTI and its allies, who have expressed concerns that the political developments are harming the country’s standing both domestically and globally. The impasse in negotiations, coupled with the looming January 31 deadline, leaves the political future of Pakistan in uncertainty, with both sides holding firm on their positions. How the government responds to the demand for a judicial commission will likely determine the next phase of political dialogue in the country.