Sherry Rehman reveals why PTI talks failed

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator and member of the government’s negotiating team Sherry Rehman has revealed details of the recent talks between the government and the opposition, saying negotiations failed despite progress on draft agreements.

Speaking about the negotiations, Rehman said the talks appeared to be moving towards a possible resolution, but differences between the two sides ultimately prevented an agreement. She said there was consensus on parts of the draft, but the process could not be completed.

Rehman said the negotiations included discussions on cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. She added that the opposition negotiating committee had initially wanted a way forward, and the government also appeared interested in resolving the dispute through dialogue.

However, she said a lack of trust between the government and the opposition remained a major obstacle. According to Rehman, members of the PPP also tried to encourage both sides to adopt a constructive approach and continue negotiations.

The PPP senator said that on the second day of talks, the opposition negotiating committee maintained that it had the authority to make decisions. She said the development had raised expectations that the two sides could reach an understanding.

Rehman also disclosed that the government had given assurances regarding medical treatment for PTI founder Imran Khan. She said assurances were provided about his treatment and access to doctors.

She further said the PPP believed that the door for political dialogue should never be completely closed. However, she clarified that since the PPP was not part of the federal government, she could not say with certainty whether the government considered the dialogue process open or closed.

Commenting on the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rehman expressed concern that matters in the province appeared to be moving towards an emergency. She said Governor Faisal Karim Kundi would act according to the directions of the federal government.

Her remarks come amid growing political tensions between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration, with negotiations having failed to produce a final breakthrough. Rehman’s comments suggest that disagreements over political demands, trust and security-related issues played a key role in preventing the talks from reaching a formal agreement.