ISLAMABAD: The first session of talks between the government and opposition negotiation committees, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, lasted for around two hours and concluded on a positive note as both sides vowed to continue the talks.
Both sides expressed goodwill and termed the meeting a significant ‘step forward’.
The government committee included Ishaq Dar, Irfan Siddiqui, and Rana Sanaullah, while Abdul Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Dr. Farooq Sattar were also part of the discussions. Representing PTI, Asad Qaiser, Raja Ansar Abbas, and Hamid Raza participated. Asad Qaiser explained that other PTI members could not attend due to court cases abroad.
Both committees highlighted the importance of Parliament as a critical forum for resolving national issues and expressed optimism that the negotiation process would continue.
The opposition committee presented an outline of initial demands during the session. They are expected to submit written demands and conditions at the next meeting, which will guide the next steps in the dialogue.
The session concluded with a recitation of Fatiha for the martyrs of the war against terrorism, emphasizing the need for national unity during challenging times.
The meeting of the government and opposition negotiation committees was held with both sides engaging in discussions to address pressing political issues.
Sources have confirmed that the next meeting is scheduled for January 2, during which the opposition is expected to present its written ‘charter of demands’.
According to insiders, government allies and the opposition will consult with their respective leaders before the next session to ensure alignment on key issues.
During the discussions, Federal Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly expressed frustration, stating, “Every time we take negotiation issues forward, a new tweet emerges.”
PTI’s Asad Qaiser acknowledged the concern, saying, “We agree on this and have discussed it in detail within our core committee.”
Qaiser also condemned the use of negative rhetoric on social media, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.
Former Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf echoed this sentiment, stating, “The success of the negotiation process lies in avoiding negative media campaigns from both sides.”
The first in-camera session of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and coalition government negotiating committee has been kicked off under the chair of the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq at the speaker’s chamber.
Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, Allama Nasir Abbas are attending the meeting while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Irfan Siddiqui are part of the government negotiating committee.
Federal minister Abdul Aleem Khan, MQM’s Farooq Sattar, PPP’s Pervez Ashraf, and Naveed Qamar are also present.
The first in-camera meeting of the government and opposition negotiation committee under the chairmanship of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Speaker National Assembly welcomed the members of the government and opposition negotiation committee for attending the meeting.
The process of negotiations between the government and the opposition is a good omen, said Speaker National Assembly, adding the process of negotiations is the beauty of democracy.
The Speaker welcomed the process of forming a negotiation committee between the government and the opposition members.
This country is ours and the people have elected us to solve their problems, Speaker revealed and added the Parliament is an elected body of 240 million people and the people have many hopes for the parliament.
He said that as public representatives, we have to find solutions to the problems of the people. With cordial relations between the government and the opposition, the country’s problems can be resolved amicably, the Speaker said and added that the country’s economic development depends on political stability and the current situation of the country requires promoting political harmony.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Senator Irfan Siddiqui were present in the first in-camera meeting of the negotiation committee.
Abdul Aleem Khan, former Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr. Farooq Sattar were also present in the committee meeting.
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