ISLAMABAD: A fresh attempt to ease political tensions began in Islamabad on Friday as government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) representatives opened negotiations over the opposition party’s planned October 4 march. The meeting took place at National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s office, with both sides discussing issues that have intensified tensions in recent weeks.
Government, PTI Committees Meet
The government’s joint negotiating committee held an informal meeting before sitting down with the PTI delegation. Members discussed legal matters and other issues expected to be raised during the negotiations.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to Prime Minister Amir Muqam and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman were among the government representatives at the meeting. PPP leaders Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Jakhrani, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also attended.
The PTI delegation included Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Raja Nasir Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Aamir Dogar and Haleem Adil Sheikh.
Speaking before the talks, Talal Chaudhry urged political parties to focus on public concerns. “May Allah make it so that the opposition parties withdraw the call for the long march,” he said. “The problems of ordinary Pakistanis should come to the fore, not those of political parties.”
Opposition Seeks Political Consensus
Before the negotiations, PTI and other opposition leaders met Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to discuss the political situation, the proposed All Parties Conference and the October 4 march.
Hafiz Naeem called for dialogue and opposed governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while Barrister Gohar said the opposition would enter talks without preconditions.
Talks Continue Amid Political Tensions
The negotiations follow weeks of disagreement over the planned march and the federal government’s discussion of possible constitutional measures in K-P. With both sides now engaged in direct talks, their positions and the government’s response will shape the next phase of the political standoff ahead of October 4.
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