ISLAMABAD: The negotiations between the government and the opposition appeared to face a temporary deadlock on Saturday after opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai stressed that no final decision could be taken without first meeting PTI founder Imran Khan.
The development came during the ongoing talks between government representatives and the PTI-led opposition, which are being held under the facilitation of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of the PTI’s planned October 4 march towards Islamabad.
According to sources cited in reports, Achakzai contacted opposition leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Asad Qaiser and conveyed that the opposition could not announce or finalise any decision until a meeting with Imran Khan was arranged.
Achakzai reportedly suggested that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi should be sent to meet the PTI founder. He maintained that whatever decision was taken after the meeting would be considered by the opposition before giving a final response.
The issue of access to Imran Khan has remained one of the central points in the negotiations. Earlier reports said the opposition had linked its position on the planned march to the outcome of the talks and better treatment and access for the PTI founder.
Meanwhile, opposition members also contacted KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI parliamentary leader Shahid Khattak and briefed them on developments surrounding the negotiations.
The talks are taking place as political tensions remain high ahead of the planned October 4 march. Afridi has previously expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the federal government, while also maintaining his position regarding the planned protest.
Government representatives have pressed the opposition to cancel the planned march as a condition for moving the dialogue process forward. Pakistan Peoples Party representatives have also called for the march to be withdrawn without conditions.
According to reports, government representatives questioned the authority of the opposition negotiating team after political statements and social-media posts created further disagreements between the two sides. The opposition, meanwhile, raised concerns over statements attributed to government figures and stressed that mutual trust would be necessary for meaningful negotiations.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has urged the government and opposition to continue negotiations in a constructive and peaceful atmosphere. The first formal round of talks was held at the Speaker’s chamber, with representatives from the government, PPP and opposition participating.
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The second round of talks was subsequently convened to address outstanding issues, including the proposed march and the broader political situation.
