Summary Government and opposition talks ended in Islamabad with PTI seeking Imran Khan’s release and other demands, while the government called for withdrawal of the October 4 long march.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The government-opposition negotiations at the National Assembly Speaker’s chamber concluded on Friday, with both sides presenting their demands. The next round will be held on Saturday at 2pm.
The talks were held ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march towards Islamabad on October 4. Government and opposition delegations discussed political and security issues, including the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The talks were also reported by multiple Pakistani news outlets as the first formal session between the sides ahead of the planned protest.
Government and Opposition Delegations
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Nasir Abbas, Asad Qaiser and Amir Dogar are participating in the talks. The government side includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Amir Muqam and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Naveed Qamar and Sherry Rehman are also part of the government-allied delegation.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the negotiating delegations on the security and terrorism situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PTI Presents Demands
According to sources, PTI has demanded the release of party founder Imran Khan, while his medical examination was also discussed. The party has also called for the release of Imran Khan’s sisters and arrested members of the provincial and national assemblies.
In response, the government delegation has demanded that PTI withdraw its call for the long march.
Ayaz Sadiq Calls for Dialogue
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said he was only playing the role of a facilitator in the talks and prayed for their success.
He said his office would always remain open for negotiations aimed at resolving issues. According to the speaker, dialogue is the only way to address differences and resolve problems, while offices and positions are temporary and Parliament is the forum where issues can be settled.
The talks were briefly paused for 15 minutes for Friday prayers, with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and leaders from the PML-N and PTI going to the Parliament mosque.
Pre-Talks Consultation
Before the negotiations, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry met Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the country’s political and law-and-order situation.
The meeting also covered arrangements for the meeting between the government and opposition committees and the government’s strategy for talks with PTI.
Nasir Abbas: Talks Should Address Crises
Speaking to the media, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the matters discussed during negotiations were confidential. He said major crises could be resolved through dialogue and added that resolving the crisis was the government’s responsibility.
He urged the government to address the issues in good faith.
Barrister Gohar Calls for Successful Talks
Speaking to journalists upon arriving at Parliament House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said governor’s rule and emergency were not solutions to any problem.
He said PTI had always sought justice and expressed hope that the negotiations would succeed. He stressed that the talks should not be limited to a photo session or formal meetings, saying their success was necessary for the country.
Earlier, Gohar had said PTI was entering the negotiations with sincerity and without any preconditions. He said the party would first listen to the government and then present its demands.
Gohar said that if the government was serious and justice was available, every problem could be resolved.
Talal Chaudhry: Opposition Should Not Miss Opportunity
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the government had never hesitated to engage in dialogue and that the PML-N and PPP had always resolved issues through negotiations.
He expressed hope that the opposition would not miss the opportunity for talks and urged political parties not to pursue positions that could further complicate matters.
Rana Sanaullah: Legal Matters to Be Settled in Courts
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah said matters concerning the courts would be resolved through the courts, while political issues could be addressed through negotiations.
He said the government would respond according to political principles and the law, adding that political tolerance required engagement rather than refusing to meet while communicating through letters.
Tariq Fazal Calls for Political Approach
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the prime minister himself had invited the opposition leader for talks and that the government’s doors for negotiations had always remained open.
He said the government would sit down with the opposition with positive expectations and that dialogue could help resolve issues and improve the political situation.
Tariq Fazal said several issues would be discussed during the talks and that the government would present possible solutions where it had the authority to do so.
He urged the opposition to adopt a political approach and avoid marching on Islamabad, while calling for a role by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in controlling terrorism in the province.
President, PM Discuss KP Security Situation
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met at Aiwan-e-Sadr to discuss the country’s overall political and security situation.
According to the President’s Office, the two leaders expressed concern over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reviewed the national security situation. They stressed the need to further strengthen the national resolve against terrorism.
The meeting also emphasized effective coordination among all relevant institutions for peace and stability.
PTI Long March and Security Situation
PTI has announced a long march towards Islamabad in support of the release of former prime minister Imran Khan and other political demands. The march, originally scheduled for September 27, was postponed to October 4. Reuters and other reports have also confirmed the revised date.
PTI has said the protest is aimed at seeking Imran Khan’s release and pressing for its political and constitutional demands, while its leadership has stated that the march will remain peaceful.
The federal government, meanwhile, has expressed concern over the planned march in view of the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has taken security measures in Islamabad.
The political tensions have unfolded against the backdrop of security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and disagreements between the federal and provincial governments over counterterrorism measures and resources.
The possibility of governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also been discussed by government representatives, while PTI leaders have opposed such measures.
