ISLAMABAD – The first round of talks between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concluded with a point that they would continue to hold talks in the future, the sources said on Monday.
Both the government and the opposition sides agreed to meet again on January 6, 2025.
The talks between the government and opposition took place at the Parliament House, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The government’s negotiating team comprised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Irfan Siddiqui, Rana Sanaullah, Naveed Qamar, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Farooq Sattar.
Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza and Allama Nasir Abbas represented the PTI during the first round of talks.
The sources further stated that the opposition would present a list of demands in the upcoming meeting.
Earlier, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq addressed the negotiating committee meeting, saying that the Prime Minister’s initiative to resolve issues through negotiations is commendable. He welcomed the invitation extended to both the government and opposition for dialogue. The Speaker said that the progress could only be made through discussions and communication.
He urged the negotiating committee to approach this process with an open heart.
Sadiq mentioned that the Speaker’s Secretariat would provide all necessary support to the committee, stating that it was the responsibility of the government and opposition to proceed with their work. He added that his aim would be to remain neutral and facilitate the process, ensuring that all dialogues are conducted for the sake of Pakistan. He hopes the negotiations will succeed and bring political stability to the country.
Ayaz Sadiq concluded by saying that granting access to the founder of PTI is not his responsibility, and the success of the negotiations depends on the negotiating committees of both the government and opposition. He described the negotiation process as a good omen and a reflection of democracy’s beauty.
