PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has publicly disclosed the seven demands presented by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during negotiations with the federal government, asserting that none of the demands are unconstitutional or illegal.
In a statement posted on X, Afridi said PTI had been treated as a “second-class citizen” and accused the state of adopting a discriminatory approach towards the party.
He said the demands were aimed at promoting political stability, upholding the Constitution and rule of law, continuing the democratic process and maintaining peace and order in the country.
The Seven Demands
- Regular Consultations: The first demand calls for regular meetings between the prime minister and opposition leaders in both houses of parliament to discuss key political, national, constitutional and legal matters, with meaningful progress to be ensured within two months.
- Joint Committee: The second demand seeks the formation of a committee comprising representatives of the government, Pakistan Peoples Party and opposition parties to hold continuous talks on political issues and differences and present workable recommendations within one month.
- Rights of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi: The third demand concerns the rights of PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. It calls for both to be provided all legal, humanitarian and medical rights under prison laws and the Constitution. It also seeks consideration of the opinions of their personal or nominated doctors where permitted by law.
- Family and Legal Meetings: The fourth demand calls for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to be allowed meetings with their family members, nominated lawyers and authorised associates in accordance with prison rules, while ensuring that such meetings are not used for purposes prohibited under the law.
- Expedited Legal Proceedings: The fifth demand calls for legal petitions involving Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi and other prisoners, including women, elderly and sick inmates, to be taken up or concluded within 10 days in accordance with the law. It also seeks the early release of women political prisoners on humanitarian grounds.
- Counterterrorism Strategy: The sixth demand relates to terrorism and law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It calls for continuous consultation between the federal and provincial governments to counter terrorism and establish lasting peace, with a meeting to be held within 72 hours to formulate a clear and workable strategy.
PTI has also linked the cancellation of its ongoing long march to a written assurance from the federal government regarding implementation of the demands and agreed measures.
Afridi said the party would reserve its right to continue peaceful and lawful protests if the government failed to honour its commitments.
