NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq ‘regrets’ PTI leaders’ statements on negotiations

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reportedly expressed regret over statement made by leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

According to Dawn News, the speaker stated that convening a meeting between the Opposition committee members and the party founder, Imran Khan, was not within his responsibilities or mandates.

Read more: PTI to present written demands to government: Barrister Gohar

Ayaz Sadiq stated that he is open to reconsidering the negotiation process if proposed by the Opposition, led by PTI. He mentioned that he has never denied meeting with any National Assembly lawmakers and remains willing to engage in dialogue.

Since assuming the role of the speaker, Ayaz Sadiq said he has ‘aimed’ to facilitate a mediatory role to uphold parliamentary supremacy and ‘democratic’ traditions.

Meanwhile, PTI Chairperson Barrister Gohar indicated that the incarcerated former prime minister has authorised the submission of written demands to the government’s negotiating committee.

Gohar noted that the PTI leadership has been instructed to  continue discussions with the government and has received permission to present their demands in writing.

Barrister Gohar talked about a third round of negotiations, insisting that progress cannot be made without facilitating a meeting of the negotiating teams.

Read more: Talks with PTI worthless after Imran Khan’s recent tweets: Khawaja Asif

Imran Khan has also reportedly indicated that if no meeting occurs prior to the third round of negotiations, it could hinder the entire process.