Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui cautioned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday against repeating the events of November 26.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s program Do Tok With Kiran Naz, Siddiqui remarked that if PTI wished to resume negotiations, it should first reflect on the outcomes of its past efforts.
He noted that talks were initially initiated at PTI’s request, with the party giving the government seven working days to respond.
“Yesterday, the prime minister extended another invitation for talks, but PTI outright rejected it,” he said.
Declaring the negotiation process closed, Siddiqui asserted that the government had functioned without difficulty in the absence of talks with PTI. “They may continue their agenda, and if they reconsider, we will assess the situation,” he added.
He pointed out that PTI had frequently accused the government of being powerless. “If they want negotiations, they should approach those they consider powerful,” he stated.
Siddiqui accused PTI of relying on external forces for political survival, claiming the party had previously sought support from judges and generals and was now pinning its hopes on former US President Donald Trump.
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“The PTI founder will receive what is due to him through courts and negotiations, not through Trump or the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” he stressed.
Commenting on PTI’s governance approach, Siddiqui dismissed claims that the party was being denied relief, noting that it had already received considerable concessions.
Regarding judicial matters, he maintained that the government had no involvement in the controversy surrounding judges’ letters. He also stated he was unaware of any proposal to appoint a chief justice from outside for the Islamabad High Court.
On media regulations, Siddiqui acknowledged flaws in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), admitting that the government should have consulted journalists before implementing it. “The law should have been paused for a few days,” he admitted.
Despite its criticisms, he pointed out that both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and PTI had backed PECA, with only Kamran Murtaza opposing it and suggesting amendments.
Comparing misinformation in journalism to a viral disease, Siddiqui remarked, “Just like the coronavirus, a virus has infiltrated journalism, and some form of vaccine is needed to counter it.”
He suggested that discussions with journalist organizations could still take place and that amendments to the law remained possible.
