Government, opposition talks in Islamabad adjourn for consultations
A recess was called on Friday during the second round of negotiations between the government and opposition in Islamabad, with both sides holding separate consultations after exchanging recommendations, sources said.
The talks, held in the committee room of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s chamber, were paused after resuming following Friday prayers.
Heated exchanges took place between government and opposition representatives over some issues, but the dialogue continued, sources said. Both sides separated to deliberate on their respective demands and proposals.
Opposition representatives in the speaker’s chamber briefed their leadership on the progress of the talks and the issues under discussion, while government representatives met in the speaker’s conference room to consider the opposition’s demands and recommendations.
The government negotiating delegation, led by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Rana Sanaullah.
The opposition delegation comprises Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Aamir Dogar and Salman Akram Raja.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani are participating on behalf of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
Sources said a verbal altercation took place between Rana Sanaullah and Raja Nasir Abbas during a discussion on judicial matters. Abbas criticised the government’s failure to implement court rulings and restrictions on meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan.
Rana Sanaullah responded that the courts were performing their duties and that the government would ensure implementation of judicial decisions concerning the long march, sources said.
The government delegation also said no permission would be granted for a march on Islamabad under the guise of protest and that threats of a long march or an attack on Adiala Jail did not constitute appropriate political conduct.
Government members also emphasised the need for the opposition to demonstrate flexibility, sources said.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq intervened and urged both sides to advance the process through mutual understanding. PPP members largely remained silent during the negotiations, according to sources.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed government and opposition leaders on the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the overall law and order situation.
Before entering the committee room, Sadiq was asked by journalists whether he was facilitating the talks and whether the process would produce results.
The speaker recited the first verse of Surah Al-Fatiha, and said he was merely acting as a facilitator and prayed for the success of the negotiations, adding that dialogue was the only way to resolve differences and issues.
He said his office remained open for dialogue and the resolution of problems.
“Positions and offices are temporary, and Parliament is the forum where solutions to issues can be found,” Sadiq said.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said negotiations between the government and opposition were underway and that the government would approach the talks with optimism, as resolving issues through dialogue was in the country’s best interest.
Chaudhry said a political approach was needed instead of repeatedly marching on Islamabad and that the sides would seek possible solutions through the negotiations.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the prime minister had extended invitations for dialogue at every level and that there had never been hesitation to engage in talks with parliamentary parties.
He urged all sides to resolve issues through dialogue within Parliament and not to squander the opportunity.