The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led opposition has withdrawn its planned public rally in Islamabad, originally set for April 9, after constructive discussions with the government on Wednesday.
This decision came after the opposition accepted a government request to call off the gathering, signaling a positive step toward easing political tensions.
The talks took place in Parliament, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif representing the government, while opposition leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Barrister Gohar, and Junaid Akbar participated. Senior political figures including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Aminul Haq were also present.
Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue to resolve political differences and uphold stability. The opposition’s cancellation of the rally was described as a goodwill gesture following the productive engagement.
Meanwhile, Islamabad authorities have announced a two-day public holiday on April 9 and 10. All government offices in the federal capital will remain closed during this period, except for essential services. Key institutions such as the Islamabad Capital Territory administration, Capital Development Authority, and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad will continue their operations as usual.
Law enforcement agencies, including Islamabad Police, as well as utility providers like IESCO and the Sui gas company, along with hospitals, will remain functional to ensure public convenience. The government stated that this measure aims to minimize disruption while ensuring critical services remain available.
In a significant development, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance are expected to lead their respective delegations in high-level talks scheduled for Friday in Islamabad. This diplomatic engagement follows a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, opening a narrow window for dialogue.
Iran’s state news agency ISNA confirmed Ghalibaf will head Tehran’s negotiating team, with Vance representing the United States, marking a rare high-level interaction after weeks of heightened tensions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently held a 45-minute telephone conversation discussing the ceasefire, upcoming negotiations, and regional developments. Sharif congratulated Iran’s leadership on the ceasefire, commending their “wisdom and foresight” in choosing de-escalation. He also expressed respect for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for sustained peace efforts.
The Pakistani premier formally offered Islamabad as the venue for Iran-US negotiations this week, an offer accepted by Iran, underscoring Pakistan’s role in facilitating regional diplomacy.
