The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson has clarified that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq did not extend a formal invitation to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposition leader Omer Ayub for talks, following Ayub’s rejection of an alleged invitation.
In a statement on Saturday, the spokesperson emphasized that Sadiq had only mentioned that his “doors are open to everyone,” which should not be interpreted as a formal call for dialogue.
“A formal invitation for talks will only be issued if either the government or the opposition formally requests it,” the spokesperson said, reinforcing the speaker’s neutral position in parliamentary matters.
The statement further highlighted that, as a democratic institution, the National Assembly remains accessible to all members, and Ayaz Sadiq has made it clear that the assembly is open to facilitating discussions.
“The doors of the National Assembly chamber and house are open to any member wishing to engage in parliamentary discourse,” the spokesperson concluded.
Earlier on Saturday, PTI rejected the latest invitation for talks from the government, with opposition leader Omer Ayub Khan telling private news channel that the “chapter of talks is now closed.” He emphasized that political negotiations require firm commitments, which, according to him, the government failed to provide.
Ayub criticized the government’s approach, stating that while PTI had entered talks in good faith, the ruling authorities showed neither goodwill nor ill intent, resulting in a deadlock.
“We began negotiations seriously, but the government did not accept our demands. Since they were unwilling to proceed with sincerity, we see no point in continuing the talks,” he stated.
