Islamabad (Web Desk): A pivotal round of political dialogue between the government and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began, aiming to address the growing tensions between the two parties.
These talks are being chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who is leading the negotiations in a bid to find common ground between the government and the PTI, which has been embroiled in a power struggle since its ousting from office.
Representing PTI in these discussions are senior party members, including Omar Ayub, who serves as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, the party's secretary-general Salman Akram Raja, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza, leader of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
On the government's side, the negotiation team includes key figures such as Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar.
During the meeting, PTI outlined its two primary demands: the release of all political prisoners currently in custody and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the violent events of May 9, 2023, and the subsequent crackdown on protesters in late November 2023.
These issues have been at the forefront of the ongoing standoff between PTI and the government, with the opposition threatening to intensify its campaign if these demands are not addressed.
The government, meanwhile, is keen on navigating these talks to avoid further political instability.
Last month, in an initial round of dialogue, the two sides agreed to move forward in a collaborative manner, with PTI submitting its formal demands in writing.
This was a significant development, as it marked the first serious attempt in months to engage in constructive negotiations.
With political unrest simmering, both the government and PTI are faced with the challenge of finding a resolution that will avoid further turmoil.
