Govt to consider PTI’s written demands, not Imran’s statements: Siddiqui Senator says, “The negotiating committee will consider written demands of the PTI" Senator Irfan Siddiqui (Left) and PTI founder Imran Khan. — APP/Reuters/File ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) in Senate and Chairman Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee Irfan Siddiqui Thursday said the government would consider only written demands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) without paying heed to statements of Imran Khan or anybody else. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); “The negotiating committee will consider written demands of the PTI,” he said in an interview with a private TV channel. Senator Siddiqui, who is also member of the government’s committee, said both the committees had decided to ignore external influences and statements in the process of talks, during its first meeting. He said initiation of talks with the PTI and formation of the government negotiating committee were approved by PMLN President Nawaz Sharif. He said the interior ministry was conveyed on the very first day to facilitate members of the PTI negotiating committee for their meeting with Imran Khan, and the facilitation would continue in future also. “The atmosphere was very positive, and it was a great opening,” Siddiqui added when asked about the details of the first meeting. He said since the PTI had also been in the government in the past and it knew well the constitutional and legal requirements for getting someone out of jail by an executive order. To a question about sentencing 60 people through a field general court martial and its potential impact on the dialogue process, Senator Irfan Siddiqui said both sides had agreed that dialogue process would continue irrespective of the sentences or any other developments. “I don’t think that recent verdict of the military court will hamper talks,” he added. To a question that keeping Imran Khan in jail would not be considered as a deadlock for the positive outcome of talks, he replied that many prominent political leaders had remained behind bars for a long time and yet the democratic process was never stalled. He rejected the impression of political unrest in the country and added that all state organs were functioning according to the constitutional harmony and economic indicators further emphasised that fact. “There is absolutely no political instability in the country,” he added. Senator Siddiqui thanked Imran Khan on his comments of recognising the government’s efforts of saving country from default and said the efforts of PM Shehbaz Sharif and his team were so obvious that even Imran Khan was compelled to acknowledge it. When asked about Richard Allen Grenell’s tweets and statements, Siddiqui said Pakistan’s policies were not framed on the basis of such tweets. “He is a nonentity. State of Pakistan decides issues according to the constitution and law of the land,” he said.
MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler will not play in the final two games of Miami's ongoing road trip while recovering from illness, the team said Friday. That means Butler will not play Saturday at Atlanta or Sunday at Houston. The earliest he could play again is Wednesday at home against New Orleans. Butler hasn't played since the first quarter of Miami's Dec. 20 game against Oklahoma City, when he twisted an ankle, left the game and then was ruled out because of illness. Miami has played three games since without Butler, two because of the illness and then Thursday's win in Orlando with him back in Miami conditioning for a return. He is not with the team on the road trip. The Heat said Thursday that they are not going to trade Butler, that announcement coming after ESPN, citing sources, said the six-time All-Star would prefer to be moved before the trade deadline on Feb. 6. Butler has not publicly expressed any desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBANonePresident-elect Donald Trump has filed a request with the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the enforcement of a law that could lead to a ban on the social media platform TikTok in the United States. In a 25-page amicus brief, Trump asked the justices to delay the January 19 deadline, the day before Inauguration, to allow his administration to negotiate a resolution and avoid the need for a ruling. Newsweek reached out to the Trump transition team for comment on Friday evening. The Context Lawmakers and intelligence officials warn that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, could exploit its ties to the Chinese government to collect sensitive data from 170 million U.S. users or manipulate public opinion through the app's algorithms. A bipartisan law requires ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a nationwide ban. Supporters argue the law addresses risks from foreign influence, while critics say it infringes on free speech and overlooks alternatives like stricter data regulation. What to Know Trump's stance on TikTok has evolved significantly. During his first term, he supported banning the platform but reversed course during his recent campaign, praising TikTok for engaging young voters. He now pledges to "save TikTok," describing it as an essential tool for free expression. In a legal brief, Trump's team emphasized his intent to resolve the issue through negotiation after taking office on January 20. His lawyer, D. John Sauer, argued, "President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the government." Meanwhile, TikTok is challenging the law that mandates its divestment or banning, arguing it violates free speech rights. "The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States," TikTok's lawyers wrote, emphasizing that the platform fosters a unique online community that would be destroyed by the ban. The Justice Department, however, defends the legislation, citing national security risks linked to TikTok's Chinese ownership. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar stated that ByteDance's control allows the Chinese government to collect sensitive data and potentially carry out covert influence operations through the app. TikTok's legal arguments also reference Trump's changed position, suggesting a compromise is possible once he assumes office. "President-elect Trump has expressed a willingness to negotiate a resolution that balances national security interests with preserving the First Amendment rights of Americans," the platform's filing noted. What People Are Saying President-elect Trump said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Monday: "I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok. I am confident in achieving a resolution that secures national security and preserves American rights." Elizabeth Prelogar, U.S. Solicitor General: "The law mitigates threats not by imposing any restriction on speech, but by prohibiting a foreign adversary from controlling the platform." What Happens Next The Supreme Court will hear arguments on January 10 and issue a decision before the January 19 deadline. Trump has promised to prioritize negotiations to prevent TikTok's shutdown and address security concerns through political means once he takes office. The outcome could influence future policies governing foreign-owned technology companies.
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