Government and opposition negotiators finalize a draft joint declaration after hours of talks, with Imran Khan’s access, prisoners’ release and the October 4 PTI march among key issues discussed.
Govt, Opposition Make Headway in Talks as Joint Declaration Nears Finalization
ISLAMABAD: The government and opposition have made significant progress in negotiations over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, with the two sides preparing a joint declaration after extended discussions in Islamabad.
According to sources, the negotiations continued for nearly 10 hours as representatives from both sides worked on the wording and details of the proposed declaration. Further consultations were held to finalize the draft before its formal announcement.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also consulted President Asif Ali Zardari on the draft and contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif online before returning to Parliament House, where discussions on the document continued.
Sources said several PTI-related issues were being considered for inclusion in the agreement, including a possible meeting between PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser and PTI founder Imran Khan.
The release of Imran Khan’s sisters and issues linked to terrorism and security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also reportedly discussed during the negotiations.
Long March Call Could Be Reconsidered
According to negotiating sources, the PTI could reconsider its October 4 long march call following a meeting between its senior leaders and Imran Khan.
The sources said that if the protest call is withdrawn or postponed, discussions on other opposition demands could continue between the two sides.
The negotiations are being chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Government representatives include federal ministers Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah, Mohsin Naqvi, Talal Chaudhry and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, while the opposition delegation includes Barrister Gohar, Raja Nasir Abbas, Amir Dogar, Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh and Salman Akram Raja.
Pakistan Peoples Party representatives Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani are also participating in the discussions.
PTI Reiterates Key Demands
Before the second round of talks, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party was seeking the release of political prisoners and access to Imran Khan.
He said the party would continue to press for issues concerning Imran Khan’s health and access to him, while also calling for the restoration of constitutional and legal processes.
Following the first round, Barrister Gohar described the meeting as being held in a positive atmosphere and said the party had presented its demands.
Senator Raja Nasir Abbas also described the initial discussions as positive while stressing the importance of keeping the details of the negotiations confidential.
Talks Continue Amid Political Tensions
The negotiations began after a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which talks with the PTI were discussed as a means of addressing political tensions.
The talks are taking place against the backdrop of security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and heightened political tensions surrounding the planned PTI protest.
For now, the focus remains on the final wording of the joint declaration and whether the agreement will lead to a change in the PTI’s planned long march.
The final outcome is expected to become clearer once the joint declaration is formally released.
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