ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq have agreed to work towards easing political tensions, sources revealed on Thursday.
The agreement came after a meeting between Qaiser, a key figure of the PTI, and Sadiq, a senior member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The two leaders discussed the importance of reducing political polarization and finding common ground for the greater national interest.
According to insiders, the meeting focused on fostering dialogue between the government and the PTI, with the aim of bridging the gap between the two sides. Sadiq suggested that both parties should work on persuading their respective supporters to adopt a more moderate approach for the country’s benefit.
Qaiser expressed his willingness to consult with PTI members to promote cooperation, and both leaders agreed to ensure transparency in the negotiation process going forward.
The meeting, described by sources as an “icebreaker,” marked the first step towards potential discussions between the government and the opposition. While informal exchanges have taken place, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar clarified that no formal talks have yet been initiated.
Civil Disobedience Movement on Hold
Although the PTI has not called for street protests at this time, the party has announced plans to launch a civil disobedience movement later this month if the government does not address its demands, including the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai told Geo News that the civil disobedience movement could be called off if negotiations with the government begin. However, he emphasized that if talks do not start, the government should brace for the movement, expressing frustration over the lack of serious efforts from the government to engage in dialogue.
Yousafzai noted that in past instances, it has been the government’s responsibility to initiate negotiations, and no formal discussions have occurred between the PTI and the government to date.
PTI Open to Dialogue
In an interview with private channel, PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram highlighted that negotiations should always be a continuous process. He emphasized that the core purpose of PTI’s protests is to open channels of communication and that dialogue is essential to resolving the political deadlock.
Akram reiterated that PTI founder Imran Khan has called for the formation of a committee to begin negotiations. He stressed that the party is open to engaging with anyone who seeks a constitutional and legal solution to the ongoing issues.
