ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated on Friday that the country’s establishment stands firmly with the government and is focused on strengthening Pakistan, dismissing claims of backdoor negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Speaking during an interview with a private TV channel, Chaudhry emphasized that the establishment’s priorities have shifted. “Today, the establishment has changed. It stands by the government, prioritizes Pakistan’s interests, and is playing its role in strengthening the country,” he said.
His remarks came hours after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur claimed he was engaging with the establishment in a “personal capacity.” Chaudhry dismissed this assertion as “self-deception,” stating that the establishment had clarified it had no interest in talks with the PTI.
“Sometimes, relations with disobedient children remain strained,” the minister remarked, suggesting that the PTI’s confrontational approach had isolated it politically. He accused the party of being “confused” and misleading the public while attempting to regain power by leveraging institutional support.
Chaudhry also questioned the KP government’s commitment to countering terrorism, alleging that the province had failed to activate its counter-terrorism department effectively.
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When asked about the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, the minister demanded accountability for funds allocated to KP over the past decade. “Where did the money go?” he asked, implying financial mismanagement.
Regarding political reconciliation, Chaudhry ruled out any “NRO-like” concessions for the PTI, stating that talks could only occur in parliament and should focus on critical issues like terrorism, the economy, and public welfare.
“The PTI must return to parliament if it wants dialogue,” he asserted, reiterating the government’s stance that negotiations would not revolve around legal relief for the opposition.
