Govt, PTI talks begin as both sides signal readiness for negotiations

ISLAMABAD: The federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) are set to hold their first formal round of negotiations in the coming days, as both sides on Friday signalled readiness to engage, even as questions over a possible long march and the prospect of emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continued to hang over the talks.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry met National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday to discuss the country’s political and law-and-order situation, sources said. The meeting also covered arrangements for a proposed meeting between government and opposition committee delegations, with participants discussing the government’s strategy for the upcoming negotiations with PTI, according to the sources.

PTI entering talks “in good faith”

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the party was ready to meet the government “in good faith” despite its demands not having been accepted so far. “Every political party has its own political objectives. Our demands have not been accepted, but today we are going to meet the government in good faith and without any conditions,” he told reporters.

Gohar said a resolution to the country’s ongoing political issues was possible if PTI was given justice. “If we get justice, it will be possible to resolve the issues,” he said, reiterating that the party was approaching the government with sincerity.

Long march’s fate tied to outcome of talks

Gohar said the government’s approach during the negotiations would determine PTI’s future course of action regarding its proposed long march, signalling that the party’s next steps hinge directly on how the upcoming talks unfold.

Commenting on reports regarding the possible imposition of emergency rule or Governor’s Rule, Gohar expressed disappointment over a recent statement by an MNA on the matter, saying such discussion was concerning even in the absence of a PTI long march.

Gohar also condemned terrorism, saying any militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or elsewhere in the country was harmful to Pakistan. “Whether terrorism takes place in our province or in any other part of the country, it is a loss for Pakistan,” he said. “We, and our government, are against terrorism under all circumstances.”