PTI to present demands in second round of talks as first round ends

The ruling coalition and PTI-led opposition will hold another round of talks on Saturday after their first meeting on the proposed October 4 long march towards Islamabad ended on Friday.

The two sides discussed the prevailing political situation and exchanged their positions during the meeting held at National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s chamber. The PTI is expected to formally put forward its demands at the next meeting.

According to the National Assembly Secretariat, the second session will begin at 2pm on Saturday in the speaker’s chamber.

Speaker Sadiq chaired the meeting and said he was acting only as a mediator. He said his office remained open for negotiations and maintained that political differences could be addressed through dialogue.

The talks come as the PTI prepares for its planned march towards Islamabad on October 4, which the party says is aimed at seeking the release of its founder Imran Khan. The march was earlier scheduled for September 27 before being postponed.

The government side included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Federal Minister Amir Muqam, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. PPP representatives Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani also took part.

The opposition delegation comprised PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas, Amir Dogar, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, among others. The delegation had been reconstituted after TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai declined to attend the meeting at the speaker’s chamber.

The government and PPP representatives stressed the need to address national issues through negotiations, according to the National Assembly Secretariat.