Govt, Opposition Resume Talks Over PTI March
Pakistan’s government and opposition began a second round of talks on Saturday to discuss the PTI’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad, aiming to defuse the country’s political crisis.
The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, included government ministers Amir Muqam, Mohsin Naqvi, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Rana Sanaullah and Tallal Chaudhry, and PPP representatives Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani.
The opposition delegation comprised Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced a long march from Gandi Chowk on Oct 4, urging the PTI to uphold constitutional rights and avoid repeating May 9 events. Government officials warned that Afridi’s statements could affect negotiations and urged restraint.
Prior to the talks, the opposition set standard operating procedures: no media statements during the meeting and a joint statement afterward to avoid confusion.
Both sides expressed hope for a positive outcome. The PTI seeks the release of its founder Imran Khan and a shift from jail to a hospital, while the government insists the PTI call off its protest march. An emergency option was discussed but participants agreed to give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully first.
