Govt Opposition Talks Make Progress, Draft Agreement Underway

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Significant progress has reportedly been made in talks between the federal government and the opposition, with both sides now working on a written agreement following their second round of negotiations on Saturday.

Sources said the dialogue was held in the chamber of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, where government and opposition delegations discussed several issues in detail. The second round came a day after the first meeting ended without a consensus, with both sides agreeing to continue negotiations.

According to sources, the dialogue phase has now concluded and the draft of the proposed agreement is being reviewed. A joint declaration is expected after the document is finalised and signed by both sides, while the delegations may also read out the declaration.

Sources said the reported points under discussion include a commitment by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to implement the federal policy on counterterrorism, permission for meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan and a possible reconsideration by PTI of its protest-based political strategy.

The government had reportedly asked the opposition to withdraw its planned October 4 long march towards Islamabad as part of efforts to move the negotiations forward. The October 4 protest has remained a key point of contention between the government and PTI.

The government side also raised questions over the opposition delegation’s mandate and referred to a recent social media post by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in which he reaffirmed his commitment to the planned march. Afridi has said the procession would begin from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4.

The opposition, however, maintained that its negotiating team had full authority to hold talks. Raja Nasir Abbas also called for confidence-building measures, while the opposition delegation reportedly referred to statements made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in response to the government’s objections.

According to sources, PTI also linked any decision to withdraw the long march to a meeting with Imran Khan, maintaining that the final decision could only be taken after consulting the party founder.

During Saturday’s meeting, the talks were briefly suspended after around an hour, with members of both delegations separately briefing their leaderships on the progress and demands discussed at the table.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah also contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to brief him on the negotiations and the opposition’s demands.

The government delegation included Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Minister Amir Muqam and Adviser Rana Sanaullah, while the PPP was represented by Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Jakhrani. The opposition side included Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Raja Nasir Abbas, Salman Akram Raja, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Aamir Dogar and Asad Qaiser.

The second round of negotiations was delayed from its originally scheduled time, with the meeting eventually beginning later in the afternoon. Before the formal session, opposition leaders also held consultations on the government’s proposals.

Barrister Gohar, speaking to journalists before the talks, said delays could occur when important matters were being discussed and described the day’s negotiations as crucial. He also expressed concern over statements made by some members during the sensitive dialogue and said the opposition was participating in the talks in good faith.

The government and PTI began formal negotiations on Friday, with both sides presenting their respective positions on the political situation and the proposed October 4 march. The talks are taking place amid continued disagreement over the protest and broader political and security issues.