ISLAMABAD (MNN); The government and PTI-led opposition concluded the first round of talks on Friday over the party’s planned October 4 long march, agreeing to resume negotiations on Saturday in an effort to address the ongoing political tensions.
The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, brought together representatives of the ruling coalition, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and opposition. The National Assembly Secretariat said the participants discussed the prevailing political situation and exchanged views on matters of national importance in a constructive and cordial atmosphere.
The second round of talks has been scheduled for 2pm on Saturday in the National Assembly speaker’s chamber.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said he was playing the role of a mediator and that Parliament remained the appropriate forum for resolving political differences through dialogue and negotiations.
The government side included Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and PPP representatives Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani.
The opposition delegation included PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Amir Dogar, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.
PPP seeks unconditional withdrawal of march
Speaking after the talks, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said her party supported resolving political disputes through negotiations. She said the PPP wanted the PTI to call off the march rather than merely postpone it.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also welcomed the government’s decision to engage the opposition, saying political issues should be addressed through political means. He expressed hope that the dialogue would result in the PTI withdrawing its planned march and allow the country to focus on security challenges.
Opposition keeps march call intact
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the PTI-led opposition remained willing to negotiate but indicated that the march call would remain in place until a solution was reached.
He called for the government to engage with the opposition in good faith and said negotiations were an essential part of resolving political disputes.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the two sides had exchanged their positions on the issues under discussion and welcomed the continuation of talks on Saturday. Earlier, the PTI had authorised its representatives to negotiate with the government, with access to party founder Imran Khan among its key demands.
The PTI has planned the October 4 march to Islamabad to demand the release of Imran Khan. The protest was originally scheduled for September 27 but was postponed to October 4.
Government warns of possible action in KP
The talks are taking place amid tensions over the planned march and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Federal ministers have discussed possible constitutional measures, including governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, if the situation deteriorates. The PTI has opposed such measures and warned of a political and legal response.
The government had earlier said that arrangements were in place to prevent the proposed march from reaching the capital if the PTI proceeded with it.
