PTI Founder
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on Saturday that there has been no phone call from the United States regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized that the government would ask PTI to clarify its stance on negotiations while also urging the party to refrain from holding a rally on February 8. His statement comes as political tensions continue to rise ahead of Pakistan’s general elections.
The fourth round of negotiations between the ruling government and PTI concluded on Tuesday, but the talks failed to make progress after PTI representatives did not attend the meeting.
This marks another instance where PTI has refused to engage in dialogue with the government. Last month, the PTI negotiating team declined to participate in a scheduled meeting on January 28, citing the government’s inability to fulfill their demands.
PTI leaders have insisted on the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26, along with the release of individuals they refer to as “political prisoners.” According to PTI, the failure of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to address these demands demonstrates the ruling party’s lack of authority.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who led the recent talks, expressed hope that negotiations would continue. He remarked that productive discussions should not be hindered by preconditions and emphasized the need for direct engagement to resolve differences.
Addressing concerns about misinformation, Naqvi commented that social media often spreads inaccurate information, particularly regarding PTI’s scheduled events.
He also expressed his satisfaction whenever Pakistani citizens travel abroad through legal channels, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining lawful migration processes.
On the topic of Pakistan’s relationship with the United States, the interior minister reaffirmed that ties between the two nations remain positive. He hinted at the potential benefits of ongoing diplomatic engagements, stating, “You will soon see the results of this.” Naqvi also disclosed that multiple meetings have recently taken place between Pakistani officials and US Congress members.
Shifting focus to domestic administrative improvements, Naqvi announced plans to introduce passport counters in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
This initiative aims to reduce long waiting lines for passport applicants. According to Naqvi, these counters will be set up in 14 cities to streamline passport issuance and enhance public service delivery.
Reassuring citizens, he stated that the formation of a dedicated passport authority would significantly address long-standing issues related to passport processing.
“Some changes are already becoming visible,” he remarked, highlighting the government’s commitment to administrative reforms.
Additionally, Naqvi mentioned that major reforms within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are also on the horizon. He acknowledged the increasing demand for passports in Pakistan and reiterated the government’s efforts to establish modernized NADRA centers. “We are creating exemplary NADRA centers for the public,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of efficient and accessible services for citizens.
