Government-opposition talks, demands revealed, another meeting tomorrow

Islamabad: The first day of talks between the government and the opposition in the chamber of the Speaker of the National Assembly has been completed. The two sides have put forward their demands and positions before each other, while the next round of talks will be held on Saturday at 2 pm.

Barrister Gohar, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Aamir Dogar and other leaders participated in the talks from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The government delegation included leaders including Mohsin Naqvi, Rana Sanaullah, Talal Chaudhry, Amir Muqam and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, while PPP representatives also attended.

During the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the delegations on the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The talks also discussed the current political situation, protests and other related issues.

According to reports, the PTI raised issues related to the release of founder Imran Khan, his medical examination and meetings. The party also demanded the release of Imran Khan’s sisters and arrested assembly members.

On the other hand, the government delegation demanded that the PTI withdraw its call for a long march to Islamabad. The long march has been announced for October 4, and the talks are taking place against the backdrop of this political tension.

At the end of the talks, Barrister Gohar said that the talks were held in a good atmosphere and both sides were informed of their positions. He expressed hope that the talks would continue the next day as well.

PTI leader Salman Akram Raja also said that the party stood by its demands.

During the talks, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Rana Sanaullah contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the telephone and informed him of the progress in the talks.

The parties will now sit at the negotiating table again on Saturday. Further progress on the demands and the position regarding the long march are likely to be among the key points in the next round.