Government and PTI Resume Contacts as Asad Qaiser Signals Readiness for Charter of Democracy

ISLAMABAD: Contacts between the government and the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have resumed, with both sides discussing a range of issues including the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, taxation in the former FATA and PATA regions, the federal budget, and other key matters.

According to reports, an important meeting was held between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and an opposition delegation on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussions covered taxation in the merged districts, the proposed tax on tobacco, the NFC Award, and budget-related concerns.

The government delegation included Federal Minister Amir Muqam and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah. The PTI delegation was led by Asad Qaiser.

During the meeting, opposition representatives expressed reservations over the imposition of taxes in the merged tribal districts and the proposed levy on tobacco products.

Speaking to the media afterward, Asad Qaiser said PTI had clearly conveyed its position that no new taxes should be imposed in the former FATA region. He added that although formal discussions on broader political issues had not taken place, PTI was prepared to support a Charter of Democracy, emphasizing that the country, democratic system, and national institutions belong to all Pakistanis.

Meanwhile, Rana Sanaullah revealed that the government had formally offered political dialogue to PTI and that the opposition party had responded positively. He said that in a democratic system, political consultation and negotiations remain the most effective way to resolve national issues.

Rana Sanaullah further stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for a “Charter of Stability for Pakistan” remains on the table and that the government is willing to engage in talks at all levels.

He also said that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had assured the opposition that the government would discuss tax-related issues concerning FATA and PATA with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and work to address the concerns raised by opposition leaders.