Government and PPP agree to jointly engage PTI in talks

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met at the President House to review the country’s political and security situation, according to an official statement.

The two leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and discussed measures to strengthen efforts against terrorism.

The meeting also decided to constitute a joint committee to engage in talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). A combined delegation representing the federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is scheduled to meet PTI leaders tomorrow to discuss the prevailing political situation.

The government’s delegation will include Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Rana Sanaullah and Ameer Muqam. The PPP will be represented by Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Jakhrani.

Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s collective resolve against terrorism and called for greater coordination among relevant institutions to ensure peace and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar attended the meeting, along with Rana Sanaullah, Sherry Rehman, Saleem Mandviwalla, Sharjeel Memon and Nasir Hussain Shah.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and Adviser to the Prime Minister Tauqeer Shah were also present.

Meanwhile, government and PTI representatives have agreed to meet tomorrow as contacts between the two sides have begun in preparation for political dialogue.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the government had approached him a day earlier with an invitation for a meeting. He said the PTI agreed to the proposal following decisions reached at an opposition meeting.

The meeting between the government and opposition delegations is scheduled for 12pm tomorrow at the office of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

According to Barrister Gohar, the discussions will focus on key political matters.