Omar Ayub, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, clarified on Tuesday why he was unable to attend the recent negotiations with the coalition government. Speaking to reporters outside the Peshawar High Court during a court appearance, Ayub explained that he was occupied with hearings regarding cases filed against him under Form 47. “I was at the Peshawar High Court yesterday, which is why I couldn’t participate in the negotiations,” he stated.
He also criticized media reports suggesting his absence was politically motivated. “A newspaper ran a big story claiming I didn’t go for negotiations. I request the media to verify things a bit more. We are hopeful the negotiations will be successful,” he added.
Later, the High Court granted Ayub a one-month transit bail, presided over by Justice Ejaz Anwar. His attorney, Advocate Alam Khan Adeenzai, informed the court that Ayub is involved in multiple legal cases. Ayub noted the challenges of attending all court appearances while also being a member of the negotiation committee, saying, “There are many cases, and it is difficult to appear everywhere.”
The court acknowledged his request for more time, stating, “We are giving you time. You should appear in the respective courts by then.”
During the ongoing negotiations, Ayub indicated that the PTI party is monitoring the government’s intentions as the two sides aim to resolve the political stalemate. “Today is the first round of negotiations; we will see what happens,” he said, emphasizing the need to gauge the government’s sincerity.
He also noted that there had been no recent meetings between the PTI negotiation team and the party’s founder, dismissing rumors of internal disagreements.
On Monday, the PML-N-led ruling coalition and the PTI initiated talks to address the political impasse, with the first round taking place at Parliament House under National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The PTI delegation, including former Speaker Asad Qaiser and key leaders, formally presented their demands. However, the absence of some prominent PTI figures, including Ayub, was noted, as they were reportedly tied up with court obligations and international travels. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for January 2.
