ISLAMABAD – A delegation of the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amid heightened political tensions and speculation over a possible long march, emergency or imposition of governor’s rule.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the party had received a message from the government regarding a meeting. Government and opposition delegations are expected to meet at noon at the office of the National Assembly speaker.
Interior Affairs adviser Rana Sanaullah also spoke by telephone with PTI leader Aamir Dogar. During consultations among opposition leaders, Sanaullah reportedly contacted Dogar and stressed the need to resolve political issues through dialogue.
Barrister Gohar has expressed hope that neither governor’s rule nor an emergency will be imposed, warning that such measures could further worsen the situation.
He said PTI would consider all options if such steps were taken, although no decision had so far been made regarding resignations from the National Assembly.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting at the Presidency to discuss talks with PTI and the broader political and security situation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and Prime Minister’s adviser Dr Tauqeer Shah. Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Sherry Rehman, Sharjeel Inam Memon and Nasir Hussain Shah also attended.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, a joint committee comprising representatives of the federal government and Pakistan Peoples Party has been formed to engage with PTI leadership.
The committee includes Mohsin Naqvi, Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam, Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Jakhrani. The government and PPP delegation is scheduled to meet PTI leaders to discuss the current political situation.
The meeting at the Presidency also reviewed the overall political and security situation, with particular concern expressed over security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The president and prime minister reviewed the country’s security situation and stressed the need to strengthen the national resolve against terrorism. They also emphasised effective coordination among all relevant institutions to promote peace and stability in the country.
