Government-Opposition Talks Enter Second Round as PTI Sets Condition for Calling Off Long March
ISLAMABAD: The second round of talks between the government and opposition concluded with both sides expressing reservations about each other’s conduct, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reportedly made a meeting with its founder, Imran Khan, a condition for announcing the cancellation of its long march.
According to Express News, the meeting was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and attended by representatives of the government, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and opposition alliance.
Opening the session, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the previous day’s meeting had taken place in a cordial atmosphere and expressed hope that all parties would continue discussions in the same spirit. He thanked the government, PPP and opposition representatives for participating in the talks.
The government delegation included federal ministers Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Talal Chaudhry and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The PPP was represented by Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani.
The opposition delegation included Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Raja Nasir Abbas, Aamir Dogar, Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh and Salman Akram Raja.
During the meeting, government representative Amir Muqam said the opposition had been asked in the previous round to cancel the long march to facilitate progress in negotiations. However, he pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had subsequently announced on social media that the march would begin at 1pm the following day.
A government representative also expressed concern over what he described as inappropriate language used against senior government figures, questioning the authority of the opposition delegation to make commitments.
Opposition members, meanwhile, raised objections to a social media post by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and asked whether its contents reflected the government’s position. They stressed that mutual trust would have to be restored if the dialogue was to move forward.
The PPP called on PTI to withdraw the long march unconditionally, arguing that the move would help create an environment conducive to further negotiations.
PTI Seeks Meeting with Founder Before Announcing Decision
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the government’s negotiating team delivered a clear message to PTI to withdraw its announcement of the long march.
Sources said the government committee cited the recent wave of terrorism, arguing that the prevailing security situation made it unacceptable for the march to potentially provide an opportunity for militants to enter the protest.
The PTI delegation reportedly put forward conditions for calling off the march, including arranging a meeting between Imran Khan and senior party leaders Asad Qaiser and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
Sources indicated that progress was expected on arranging the meeting. The PTI negotiating team reportedly wanted to consult its founder to reassure party workers, after which an announcement regarding the cancellation of the march could be made.
Opposition Delegation Meets Key Figure Before Talks
Before the formal negotiations, a delegation from the opposition alliance reportedly held a meeting lasting approximately one hour with a key figure.
The delegation included PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Asad Qaiser.
According to sources, the meeting focused on the demands presented by PTI, with some proposals reportedly revised during the discussion. Sources added that Mahmood Khan Achakzai was also kept in contact by telephone.
The opposition alliance finalised its demands following the meeting, sources said.
The negotiations are taking place amid differences over the proposed long march, with the parties facing the challenge of restoring mutual confidence and reaching an understanding on the next steps.
