ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar has stressed the need for dialogue between the government and opposition, saying political disputes should be resolved through negotiations rather than protests and street agitation.
Tarar said negotiations were a positive development and confirmed that talks between the government and opposition were continuing. He maintained that Pakistan needed political stability, practical measures and increased economic activity instead of prolonged political confrontation.
The federal minister said political issues could be addressed through negotiations and that taking disputes to the streets would not provide a sustainable solution.
He also highlighted the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the province required greater attention to governance, law and order and counterterrorism efforts.
Tarar said the federal and provincial governments should work together on a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of citizens.
Security Situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Referring to the security challenges facing the province, Tarar said political confrontation should not distract authorities from addressing terrorism.
“This is not the time for politics,” he said, pointing to casualties in areas including Kohat and Bannu. He argued that protecting citizens and restoring peace should remain a priority for both the federal and provincial governments.
The minister urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to improve governance and create conditions that could support business and economic activity.
Tarar also claimed that a one-day long march could cause an economic loss of around Rs120 billion. According to the minister, sit-ins and prolonged protests place additional pressure on an already challenged economy.
He said Pakistan could not afford repeated disruptions and called for greater focus on economic activity and development.
The minister also advised the provincial government to concentrate on its own responsibilities while allowing the federal government to continue working on national economic and administrative matters.
Regarding the proposed long march, Tarar said merely announcing a protest would not achieve political objectives. He added that if a long march takes place, the government would take necessary measures to stop it.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest call and ongoing negotiations between the government and opposition.
The latest round of talks follows an earlier meeting between government and PTI representatives held on October 2 in National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s chamber.
The first meeting ended without a final agreement, with the parties agreeing to continue discussions. The second phase of negotiations is now underway as the government seeks to prevent further escalation while PTI has maintained its October 4 protest call.
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The coming discussions could prove crucial in determining whether both sides can reach a workable understanding, reduce political tensions and prevent another confrontation on the streets of Islamabad.
