An important meeting between government and opposition representatives began in the Speaker’s Chamber in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss political issues through dialogue. The opposition has made an Imran Khan meeting a key condition for taking the talks forward.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the opposition delegation, which included Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Barrister Gohar, Asad Qaiser, Aamir Dogar and Salman Akram Raja. The government team included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sherry Rehman, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Talal Chaudhry.
The government delegation also included Ejaz Jakhrani, Naveed Qamar, Rana Sanaullah and Amir Muqam. According to sources, the meeting is expected to review the overall situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Discussions on postponing the long march are also expected.
Speaking to Geo News, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the discussion had just started. He said both sides had agreed to try to reach some outcome on Thursday, while asking people to wait for further details.
Salman Akram Raja said the opposition wanted to discuss justice and needed consultation with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership. He said progress would depend on an Imran Khan meeting, adding that the opposition also wanted the release of PTI members and what it described as justice.
Asad Qaiser said the opposition wanted to meet Imran Khan to discuss and finalise its agenda before moving ahead. He said issues concerning Imran Khan’s sisters would also be discussed, but meeting the PTI founder remained the main priority. Aamir Dogar also supported dialogue and said political differences should not turn into confrontation with state institutions.
Allama Nasir Abbas said the opposition would raise the issue of Mahmood Achakzai meeting Imran Khan. He said resolving the issues would be difficult without meeting the PTI founder and argued that such a meeting was the simplest way forward. The government and opposition sides are expected to continue discussions on the matters raised during the meeting.
