Islamabad (Web Desk): The negotiation committees of the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) met to further their dialogue, with a view to resolving the ongoing political tensions in the country.
The meeting, held at the Parliament House in Islamabad, was presided over by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The government’s team included prominent figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, and others, while PTI’s delegation was led by Asad Qaiser, with Raja Nasir Abbas and Sahibzada Hamid Raza also in attendance.
However, Asad Qaiser informed the meeting that several committee members were unable to participate due to legal constraints or travel commitments.
The session was marked by a cordial atmosphere, with both sides agreeing on the importance of continued dialogue.
While the PTI representatives outlined their initial concerns, it was agreed that the opposition would formally submit its charter of demands in writing at the next meeting, scheduled for January 2.
The dialogue’s success was further underscored by the commitment of both sides to keep the discussions ongoing in a constructive manner.
As part of the meeting, the committees observed a moment of silence to honor the lives lost in the fight against terrorism, reaffirming their collective resolve to combat extremism and ensure national security.
In his remarks after the meeting, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope that the discussions would lead to greater political stability, help bridge the divide between the government and the opposition, and provide a platform for addressing the pressing challenges facing Pakistan.
He called on the media to interpret the talks as a positive step toward reducing political polarization and fostering unity for the nation’s advancement.
Later, Senator Irfan Siddiqui read out the communiqué regarding the government-opposition parleys.
It was stated that the meeting was seen as a significant move toward reconciling differences.
Both sides remained committed to keeping the dialogue process alive, recognizing the critical role of Parliament in shaping the country’s future.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had appointed an 8-member delegation tasked with initiating dialogue with PTI.
It is pertinent to mention that PTI founder Imran Khan has been stressing on his key demands including immediate release of political prisoners currently in detention and a judicial investigation into the May 9 incidents, alongside the crackdown on PTI protesters that unfolded on November 26.
The dialogue session was convened following a series of consultations involving Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who had been approached by PTI's Barrister Gohar.
Sadiq, in a bid to foster a conducive environment for constructive engagement, welcomed the initiative and confirmed that both parties had agreed to meet in good faith.
As the two sides gathered on Monday at the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq underscored the importance of dialogue, emphasizing that only through discussions could progress be achieved.
The diverse composition of this meeting suggests that critical discussions on political strategy, governance, and potential policy agreements are underway, with both government and opposition figures present to engage in dialogue.
