The first round of talks between the government and opposition at the National Assembly speaker’s chamber ended without an agreement. Both delegations, however, agreed to meet again tomorrow afternoon to continue discussions aimed at resolving political issues.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the opposition delegation upon its arrival. The opposition was represented by Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Barrister Gohar, Asad Qaiser, Aamir Dogar and Salman Akram Raja.
The government delegation included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sherry Rehman, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Talal Chaudhry, Aijaz Jakhrani, Naveed Qamar, Rana Sanaullah and Amir Muqam.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said discussions had only just begun and both sides agreed that they should try to reach a conclusion that day. He asked for patience before further details could be shared.
Salman Akram Raja told that the opposition would raise the issue of justice, arguing that justice had completely disappeared. He said they needed to meet and consult PTI founder Imran Khan. According to Raja, matters could move forward if the meeting took place; otherwise, the situation would remain unchanged. He also called for the PTI founder’s release and justice.
Asad Qaiser said the purpose of meeting the PTI founder was to determine an agenda in consultation with him and decide the next steps accordingly. He said matters concerning Imran Khan’s sisters would also be discussed, but securing permission to meet their leader remained the foremost priority.
Aamir Dogar said he had supported meetings and negotiations from the outset. Political matters should not turn into confrontation, he said, adding that they did not want a clash or conflict with any institution.
Allama Nasir Abbas said the opposition would raise the issue of a meeting between Mahmood Achakzai and PTI founder Imran Khan. He maintained that matters could not be resolved without access to Khan. Calling for certain conditions to be established for the negotiations, he described a meeting with the PTI founder as the simplest route towards resolving the issues.
According to sources, the government delegation made clear that any attempt to storm Islamabad would not be allowed. Its representatives argued that threats accompanying a long march, or talk of attacking Adiala Jail, were unacceptable. They said flexibility was required from the opposition as well as the government.
Sources said exchanges between PTI representatives and the government delegation became heated several times, while Pakistan Peoples Party members remained largely silent.
The atmosphere grew tense during discussions on judicial matters, with Rana Sanaullah and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas exchanging sharp remarks.
Abbas expressed disappointment over what he described as the failure to fully implement court decisions. He criticised restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder and other government measures. Sanaullah responded that the courts were performing their duties and that judicial decisions concerning the long march would be enforced.
The National Assembly speaker urged both sides to exercise restraint and move forward through mutual understanding.
According to sources, the first day concluded without a breakthrough, but the government and opposition agreed to hold their next meeting tomorrow afternoon.
