Govt And Opposition Resume Talks Ahead Of PTI March

Government and opposition representatives began a second round of talks at Parliament House on Saturday afternoon as efforts continued to ease tensions before PTI’s planned march towards Islamabad on October 4.

The meeting was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and brought together senior figures from both sides. The talks were focused on the political standoff created by PTI’s protest plan, along with broader concerns over how to avoid further confrontation.

The government side included Amir Muqam, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Rana Sanaullah and Tallal Chaudhry. Representatives from the PPP, including Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, were also part of the discussions.

Opposition participants included Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Gohar Ali Khan, Amir Dogar, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja and Haleem Adil Sheikh. Before the meeting, opposition members reportedly agreed on proposed rules for the talks, including avoiding media statements during negotiations and issuing a joint statement afterwards.

The dialogue came as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said PTI would proceed with its long march from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on October 4. He described the party’s demands as constitutional and lawful, while also saying the protest would not repeat the events of May 9.

Government figures warned that public remarks before or during negotiations could affect the process. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government wanted meaningful and fruitful talks, adding that the political temperature needed to be brought down through engagement.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomed the start of dialogue and urged PTI to call off the march, arguing that the country should remain focused on terrorism and threats from neighbouring countries. His remarks added pressure on the opposition to consider a negotiated path instead of street mobilisation.

The talks are significant because they come after a long gap in formal engagement between the government and opposition. PTI has pressed for relief for Imran Khan, including demands linked to his detention and medical care, while the government has been seeking the cancellation of the planned Islamabad march.