Govt-opposition talks hit deadlock over meeting with Imran Khan
Talks end without breakthrough
The government opposition talks ended without a final agreement after both sides discussed several major issues at Parliament House.
The main dispute involved an Imran Khan meeting, access to his personal doctor and the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in security matters.
PTI leaders said they wanted to consult the party founder before taking any final decision. The opposition also linked the PTI negotiations to progress on these demands.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party wanted the talks to succeed. However, he maintained that the PTI long march remained part of the party’s plan.
Security issue creates another hurdle
The government also raised concerns about counterterrorism measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Government representatives said the provincial government must fulfil its constitutional responsibility regarding terrorism. Officials also sought assurances about the province’s cooperation with the federal government.
The issue of counterterrorism measures became a major point of disagreement during the government opposition talks.
PPP leader Sherry Rehman said the draft agreement had been revised several times. She added that there could be no compromise on terrorism.
The opposition, meanwhile, continued to seek clarity over security operations in areas affected by terrorism and displacement.
PTI march preparations continue
The PTI long march remained another major issue during the negotiations.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the march would begin from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm. Participants from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat were expected to join.
The convoy was expected to move through Karak, Kohat, Peshawar and Charsadda before participants gathered at Khairabad.
The government had reportedly demanded that the march be called off to allow the PTI negotiations to move forward.
Some opposition members, however, discussed whether the march could be postponed if progress was made in the talks.
Read Also: Govt issues major warning ahead of PTI’s October 4 long march
Imran Khan access remains key issue
The demand for an Imran Khan meeting remained central to the dispute.
Opposition leaders said no final decision could be taken without consulting the PTI founder. They also sought access for his lawyers and family members.
Sources said Mahmood Khan Achakzai had also called for a meeting involving Khan, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and opposition representatives.
The government said any decision concerning meetings with Khan would have to be taken according to the law.
What happens next?
The government opposition talks had earlier appeared close to an agreement, with negotiators claiming that most issues had been settled.
However, differences over the remaining points prevented a final deal.
The counterterrorism measures demanded by the government remained an important part of the dispute, while the opposition continued to seek assurances over KP and Khan’s access.
The PTI long march also remained a major pressure point as both sides considered their next steps.
For now, the PTI negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough, but further discussions could still take place.
