ISLAMABAD: The first round of talks between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led opposition and the ruling coalition ended on Friday, with both sides agreeing to resume negotiations on Saturday over the PTI’s planned October 4 long march.
The talks, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, aimed to ease political tensions surrounding the PTI’s planned protest to demand the release of its founder, former prime minister Imran Khan.
The opposition will formally present its demands to the government’s negotiating team during the next round of talks, according to local media reports
Welcoming the delegations, Sadiq said he was acting as a mediator and stressed that dialogue was the way to resolve political differences.
“My office is always open for negotiations,” he said, adding that Parliament was the appropriate forum for addressing the country’s political issues.
“Parliament is the only forum where solutions to issues can be found,” he said, noting that positions and offices were temporary.
Senior Leaders Attend
The government delegation included Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister Amir Muqam, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman and National Assembly members Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani also attended.
The opposition was represented by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Amir Dogar, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.
The talks followed consultations among senior government and coalition leaders on the country’s political situation.
March Call Remains
Speaking to reporters during a break in the negotiations, Senator Nasir Abbas urged the government to engage with the opposition in good faith and take practical steps towards resolving the political crisis.
He said the PTI’s call for the long march would remain in place until a solution was reached.
“Negotiating is the way of political leaders; negotiations could resolve gigantic issues and war,” he said, adding that progress depended on the government’s intentions.
The proposed march has also raised concerns over security, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the PTI is in power.
Federal ministers have warned that the government could consider imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in the province, citing the security situation and the planned protest. The opposition has warned of serious consequences if such measures are taken.
On Thursday, Rana Sanaullah said the government and the PTI were holding informal consultations over the proposed march. He said the decision on whether to proceed rested with the PTI’s senior leadership.
“Even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he said.
The next round of negotiations on Saturday is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to present their positions and explore a way forward.
