Urdu Report Desk
Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has directed opposition leaders Raja Nasir Abbas, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Asad Qaiser to suspend further negotiations with the government until they meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
According to sources, Achakzai contacted the three opposition leaders by telephone and instructed them to maintain their demand for a meeting with the former prime minister before proceeding with further talks.
Achakzai has made it clear that no alternative to the meeting with Imran Khan should be accepted as a condition for negotiations.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman Sets Conditions for Mediation
Meanwhile, amid the deadlock in negotiations, the PTI and the government are reportedly willing to involve Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman as a mediator.
However, Fazlur Rehman has set five conditions for taking on the role, according to sources. He has told both sides that he will first assess how serious they are about resolving the dispute before deciding whether to intervene.
The JUI-F chief will make his decision after reviewing the responses from the government and opposition to his proposed conditions.
Dialogue Still Possible, Says Fazlur Rehman
Fazlur Rehman has indicated that he would be willing to play a mediating role if both sides agree on fundamental issues. He believes that a way forward remains possible through sincere and serious efforts.
He has advised the government and opposition to acknowledge each other’s positions, saying that a middle ground could be found if both sides show a willingness to accommodate one another.
Warning Against Use of Force
Fazlur Rehman has also warned that continued deadlock and the use of force against the planned long march could leave little room for a political settlement.
The latest developments highlight the challenges facing efforts to resume negotiations between the government and opposition, with the proposed meeting between Imran Khan and opposition leaders remaining a key demand and mediation still under consideration.
