The federal government and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will hold talks to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership on Friday over the prevailing political situation, the President’s Office said.
The decision was taken during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President house) on Thursday.
During the meeting, the country’s political and security situation was discussed, with both sides expressing concern over security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The participants stressed the need to strengthen the national resolve against terrorism and improve coordination among relevant institutions to maintain peace and stability.
The President’s Office said that a joint committee had also been formed to negotiate with PTI.
The committee includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Nasir Hussain Shah also attended the meeting.
The talks will take place ahead of PTI’s planned long march towards Islamabad on October 4.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said earlier that the party had accepted the government’s offer for negotiations.
Gohar said that PTI received the government’s message about the proposed meeting on Wednesday and accepted it after decisions were taken during a meeting of opposition leaders earlier that day.
He added that government and opposition representatives would meet at noon on Friday in the office of the National Assembly (NA) speaker.
PTI had initially planned to hold the long march on September 27 but later moved it to October 4.
The former ruling party has said that it plans to seek the release of its jailed founding chairman Imran Khan.
Gohar had previously said that PTI remained open to negotiations and would welcome a government delegation for talks.
He also maintained that efforts to prevent terrorism in KP should remain the focus and said that PTI had consistently opposed politicising the issue.
Gohar warned that imposing governor’s rule in the province could worsen the situation, increase tensions and deepen divisions.
“I tell everyone, for God’s sake, come to your senses and avoid such measures,” he said.
He had also stated that PTI’s announcement about the long march was final as opposition parties continued consultations on preparations and their political strategy.
