The government and opposition have reportedly reached a consensus ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march to Islamabad on October 4, with a written agreement being prepared for signing. This development emerged during the second round of discussions between federal government and opposition representatives.
Negotiations resumed after several delays, under the chairmanship of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who is mediating efforts to ease the mounting political tensions across the country. The government delegation includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, alongside PPP leaders Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, and Ejaz Jakhrani.
On the opposition side, the team comprises Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Aamir Dogar, and Haleem Adil. Prior to the second round, the PTI chairman expressed concerns over attempts to halt the long march, mentioning talks of extreme measures from the treasury benches without naming individuals. He remained hopeful that negotiations would yield positive results.
Barrister Gohar emphasized the significance of these talks for the country, the nation, and democracy, stating that PTI aims to proceed with its long march without the imposition of emergency rule or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Addressing delays in talks, he explained that opposition leaders were engaged in consultations at Parliament House, which postponed their attendance.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Sadiq expressed optimism on social media, hoping all parties would maintain a cordial atmosphere during discussions. He thanked government, PPP, and opposition members for their participation in efforts to resolve the ongoing issues.
Simultaneously, Opposition Leader Allama Abbas reportedly held a phone conversation with Mahmood Khan Achakzai inside the opposition chamber, updating him on the progress of the talks. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Adviser Rana Sanaullah also briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the latest developments via phone.
The government has reportedly requested the opposition to call off the protest march to facilitate further negotiations. The initial round of talks took place on Friday in the National Assembly speaker’s chamber but ended without an agreement. Following the first meeting, PTI restructured its delegation after Mahmood Khan Achakzai declined to attend, demanding the talks be held at a neutral venue.
During the Friday session, which lasted about an hour, both sides presented their positions. The PTI chairman initially announced the second round would be held at 2 pm, later postponing it to 3 pm. However, the second round faced further delays in the federal capital.
Separately, PTI’s political and core committee members proposed postponing the long march instead of canceling it, provided the government makes substantial progress in talks. Barrister Gohar updated the members on negotiations and discussed future strategies. Many members advocated for expanding the dialogue process.
The PTI secretary general warned of a possible emergency imposition, with some suggesting resignations from national and provincial assemblies if an emergency is declared in KP. The meeting also agreed to refrain from issuing public statements during ongoing negotiations and criticized remarks made by PM aide Rana Sanaullah and PPP leader Sherry Rehman.
Additionally, some members recommended that certain PTI leaders meet with the party’s founder at Adiala jail, believing that a meeting involving Achakzai and Abbas with the founder could pave the way forward.
In a significant development, this evolving story continues to be updated as more information becomes available.
