The first round of government-opposition talks ended on Friday with both sides agreeing to meet again on Saturday.
The negotiations focused on the PTI’s proposed October 4 long march and several issues raised by the opposition. Meanwhile, government negotiators urged the PTI to postpone or cancel the planned protest.
The second round of talks will take place at 2pm Saturday in National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s chamber.
Who Represented the Government and Opposition?
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan led the opposition delegation during the negotiations. Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also attended the meeting.
PTI leaders Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Amir Dogar and Haleem Adil Sheikh joined the opposition delegation.
The government delegation was led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also participated in the talks.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman represented the government and coalition side.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq chaired the meeting between the government and opposition representatives.
The talks aimed to ease political tensions surrounding the PTI’s planned October 4 long march.
The opposition has linked the protest to demands concerning PTI founder Imran Khan and other party members.
Ayaz Sadiq Calls for Dialogue
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed both delegations and said he was only serving as a mediator.
“I am only playing the role of a mediator,” the speaker said.
Sadiq said his office remained “always open” to resolving political issues through negotiations.
He added that he had repeatedly invited the opposition to engage in dialogue.
According to the speaker, negotiations offered a way to resolve differences and address political issues.
He also noted that positions and offices were temporary.
“Parliament is the only forum where solutions to issues can be found,” he said.
The National Assembly Secretariat said both sides presented their respective positions during the meeting.
The delegations also held detailed discussions on several issues in a restrained atmosphere.
Rana Sanaullah and Raja Nasir Abbas Clash
Tensions nevertheless surfaced during Friday’s negotiations over the implementation of court orders.
A heated exchange took place between PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.
Raja Nasir Abbas expressed concern over the incomplete implementation of court orders.
He also raised concerns about restrictions on meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan and other government actions.
Rana Sanaullah responded that the courts were performing their responsibilities.
He assured the opposition that court orders concerning the planned march would be implemented.
The exchange became heated before Speaker Ayaz Sadiq intervened and urged both sides to remain calm.
The government and opposition teams subsequently held separate consultations for around 20 minutes.
Government Urges PTI to Call Off Long March
The government maintained its demand for the opposition to postpone or cancel the planned October 4 march.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who led the government delegation, urged PTI leaders to call off the protest.
The government also assured the opposition that relevant court decisions would be followed.
Following the discussion, opposition leaders decided to consult other senior leaders before making further decisions.
Meanwhile, the PTI delegation formally presented its concerns during the negotiations.
The opposition is expected to formally submit its demands before the government’s negotiation team during Saturday’s session.
Mohsin Naqvi Briefs Committee on KP Situation
During the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the negotiating committee about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Government negotiators used the briefing to urge PTI leaders to withdraw the planned long march.
The discussions also covered the wider political situation and issues between the government and opposition.
The government and PPP stressed the importance of resolving national issues through negotiations.
What Happened to the Talks During Friday Prayers?
The negotiations were briefly suspended for Friday prayers before resuming at Parliament.
After the prayers, the imam at Parliament led a special prayer for the successful outcome of the negotiations.
Reporters later asked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq about the progress of the talks.
He replied, “Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds.”
Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the matters discussed during the negotiations were confidential.
He maintained that major crises could often be resolved through dialogue. Raja Nasir Abbas also said the government had a responsibility to address the crises.
He urged the government to work in good faith to find solutions to the issues under discussion.
What Did Other Leaders Say?
Speaking after Friday prayers, Tariq Fazal Chaudhary confirmed that the negotiations had paused for prayers. He said the talks had resumed afterward and expressed hope that they could be finalised on Friday.
Asad Qaiser said the PTI delegation had entered the talks with sincere intentions.
He added that the delegation wanted to bring improvements for Pakistan and support steps aimed at ensuring law and order.
When Will the Next Round Take Place?
The National Assembly Secretariat confirmed that the second round of negotiations will begin at 2pm Saturday. The meeting will take place in the speaker’s chamber.
Both sides are expected to continue discussions after presenting their respective positions during the first round. The government wants the PTI to postpone or cancel its October 4 long march.
Meanwhile, the opposition has raised concerns over court-order implementation and restrictions concerning Imran Khan.
The next round will therefore continue discussions on the demands and concerns presented by both sides.
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