Urdu Report Desk
Government and opposition negotiations have reportedly succeeded, with sources saying Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has assured the government that it will end its long march.
A joint press conference by representatives of both sides is expected shortly, according to sources.
Key Points of the Understanding
Sources said the government has indicated that it may accept PTI’s demand for a meeting with party founder Imran Khan. In return, PTI has assured the government that it will call off its long march.
The sources further said PTI has agreed to support the operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the provincial government will extend full cooperation to the federal government.
PTI Seeks Political Space
During the negotiations, the PTI delegation reportedly sought political space to present the talks as a meaningful outcome and again pressed for a meeting with Imran Khan.
Sources said the PTI delegation also sought measures to protect the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and maintained that no action should be taken that could further increase tensions and divisions.
The government, however, conveyed that any facilitation or relief would require the long march to be called off first. It also maintained that protests or sit-ins could not be allowed under the prevailing circumstances.
Possible Acceptance of PTI Demands
According to sources, the government has indicated that some of PTI’s key demands could be considered if the party formally announces the end of its long march.
Earlier Negotiations
The development came during the second round of talks between the government and opposition. The first round, held a day earlier, ended without a breakthrough, prompting both sides to meet again.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired the meeting and said the previous session had been held in a cordial atmosphere. He expressed hope that the parties would continue the dialogue in the same spirit.
Ayaz Sadiq thanked the government, Pakistan Peoples Party and opposition members for participating in the negotiations.
Participants in the Talks
Federal ministers Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Talal Chaudhry and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry represented the government.
The Pakistan Peoples Party delegation included Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani.
The opposition was represented by Barrister Gohar Khan, Raja Nasir Abbas, Aamir Dogar, Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh and Salman Akram Raja.
PTI Calls for Positive Dialogue
Speaking to the media upon arriving for the negotiations, Junaid Akbar said there was broad support within PTI for positive dialogue.
He said it was incorrect to suggest that anyone within PTI was opposed to negotiations, adding that political issues should be resolved through meaningful dialogue.
Barrister Gohar also criticized recent remarks by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, saying statements by ministers had caused disappointment. He urged Asif to reconsider his statements and expressed confidence that the negotiations would not fail.
Gohar said the talks were not facing unnecessary delays and stressed that negotiations were important for the country, democracy and provincial autonomy.
He expressed hope that the second round of talks would produce meaningful results.
