Govt, opposition begin second round of talks as long march looms

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the previous meeting had been held in a cordial atmosphere and expressed hope that the talks would continue in the same spirit. He thanked representatives of the government, PPP and opposition for participating in the dialogue.

Barrister Gohar said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) believed in political negotiations and did not want any “extreme step,” including the imposition of emergency or governor’s rule. He said PTI would continue its planned long march while maintaining that dialogue was essential for democracy.

Also Read:KP govt planning unrest through long march: Khawaja Asif. Senator Sherry Rehman said the PPP was participating in the negotiations with optimism and wanted political issues to be resolved through democratic means. She said parliament provided a secure forum where all positions could be discussed.

Before the meeting, Salman Akram Raja said the opposition had come to the talks seeking the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other prisoners, restoration of the Constitution and rule of law, and access to Khan. He said the opposition would continue presenting its core demands at the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, federal minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government wanted meaningful and productive talks but warned that statements by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi could undermine the process.

Afridi has announced that the PTI long march will begin on October 4 from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat and proceed towards Islamabad, with the chief minister saying he would lead the convoy. The first stop is expected to be Karak, followed by Kohat on October 5.

The first round of talks had witnessed several tense exchanges. The government has maintained that any attempt to march on Islamabad will not be permitted and has formally urged the opposition to postpone or cancel the long march.