Govt, PTI finally begin negotiations to defuse tensions

The long-awaited negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have officially commenced in Islamabad on Monday. The talks, aimed at addressing the country’s ongoing political challenges, are taking place at the Parliament House. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is presiding over the discussions, which feature key political figures from across the spectrum. Representing the government are Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar. On the PTI side, the delegation includes former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. However, key PTI members Omar Ayub, Ali Amin, and Salman Akram Raja are not attending today’s session due to prior commitments, including court appearances and international trips. The first round of discussions is an in-camera session, during which the venue for future talks and terms of reference (ToRs) will be decided, Express News reported. Both parties have expressed hopes of a positive outcome as they seek to ease the political tensions that have gripped Pakistan in recent months. Speaking to the media upon his arrival at Parliament House, Irfan Siddiqui expressed optimism, saying, “We are participating with good intentions and a focus on Pakistan’s development and prosperity. By setting aside the past, we hope for positive outcomes from these talks.” Umar Ayub echoed a cautious sentiment, stating that the initial round of talks would reveal the government’s intentions. “The committee has been formed, and we will see where this process leads,” he added. Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, highlighted the importance of senior members' involvement as a testament to the seriousness of the ongoing negotiations. Speaking in Parliament, he shared that Barrister Gohar had suggested his role in facilitating the talks, which led him to request the Prime Minister’s support. "I am grateful to all members for forming the committee. The presence of senior figures underscores the gravity of these discussions. I hope the dialogue will focus on Pakistan’s betterment. Every issue finds its solution through negotiations," Sadiq stated. It should be noted here that Imran had put forward his two demands: release of under-trial political prisoners and a judicial investigation into the May 9 incidents and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, otherwise a civil disobedience movement would be launched. However, the government side had been dragging its feet on the issue of the talks with the opposition, saying that the negotiations could not take place with pre-conditions and under the shadow of any threat. The latest development came on the advice of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who had been approached by the PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. The Speaker said that the Prime Minister's initiative to resolve issues through talks was welcome and he had invited the government and the opposition to the talks in good faith. "The doors of the Speaker's Office are always open to members," he said. "Progress can only be achieved through talks and dialogue. To take the process forward, the members of both committees have been invited to meet tomorrow, [today] at 11:30am. I will meet the members of both committees in my chamber." Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of the speaker for national cohesion and expressed the hope that national solidarity and national interests would be held supreme during the talks with PTI. "Pakistan is the reason of our existence," he said.

if you want to get more information about this news then click on below link

More Detail