ISLAMABAD: The government and opposition on Saturday resumed negotiations in Islamabad as both sides held their second round of talks amid continuing tensions over the PTI’s planned October 4 march.
The meeting is being held in National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s chamber, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and Adviser to the Prime Minister Amir Muqam representing the government side. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and MNA Amir Dogar are among the opposition representatives.
The National Assembly Secretariat said the timing of the second session was changed from 2pm to 3pm on Saturday.
PTI seeks access to Imran Khan
Speaking to reporters before the meeting, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the opposition had entered the dialogue with the intention of presenting its key demands.
He said access to PTI founder Imran Khan remained a major issue for the party and stressed that the former prime minister’s health could not be compromised.
Raja called for Imran to be examined by the medical board constituted by the Supreme Court and sought permission for people trusted by the PTI founder to meet him.
He also called for relief for women prisoners, including Bushra Bibi, Dr Yasmin Rashid and Imran Khan’s sisters.
Raja said the opposition would continue to stand by its demands if an agreement was not reached.
Govt seeks end to October 4 march
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government wanted the negotiations to be meaningful and produce a practical outcome.
The government’s key position is that the PTI should withdraw its October 4 protest march, while the opposition has linked its position on the protest to progress in the negotiations.
Chaudhry also criticised recent remarks by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying statements targeting political opponents and government leaders could complicate the dialogue.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also briefed the participants on the security and law-and-order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PPP calls for cancellation of march
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman has also urged PTI to withdraw the planned long march, warning that political confrontation could further complicate the law-and-order situation.
She said terrorism remained a major concern for the PPP and pointed to attacks on security personnel in KP.
Rehman said she would not comment in detail on the PTI’s demands at this stage, stressing that the negotiating process required time and mutual trust.
She expressed hope that the dialogue would continue and produce a decision soon.
Talks resume after first round
The first round of negotiations was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. According to the National Assembly Secretariat, the participants exchanged their respective positions and discussed political and national issues in a constructive and cordial atmosphere.
The government delegation includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Amir Muqam and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with PPP representatives Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Jakhrani.
The opposition delegation comprises PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Amir Dogar and Haleem Adil Sheikh.
The negotiations are aimed at easing political tensions, with the PTI’s October 4 march and its demand for access to Imran Khan among the key issues under discussion.
