ISLAMABAD: Second round of talks between opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and ruling coalition to break ongoing political and constitutional impasse in country ended, with both sides agreeing to continue negotiations next week.

“We have taken break so that we may talk to our leadership and they discuss it with their coalition partners. We have agreed to meet again on Tuesday at 11am,” PTI senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters. Second round of talks took place in Committee Room No 3 at Parliament House, with government side comprising Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Pakistan Peoples’ Party Senator Yousaf Raza Gillani and Kishwar Zehra of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan. PTI was represented by its Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Barrister Ali Zafar.

Qureshi said that negotiations took place in cordial manner and both sides put forward their demands and preconditions. He said that two sides would discuss developments with their leaders and partners, after which they will resume talks at start of work week following May 1 public holiday. According to those privy to developments, opposition has demanded date for dissolution of assemblies before upcoming budget. According to sources, PTI has insisted that government announce date for dissolution of assemblies before budget, which could immediately reduce political tensions and that negotiation process be completed within week. Opposition delegation’s demands echo remarks made earlier in day by PTI Chief Imran Khan, who said that negotiations will only go forward if government is willing to dissolve National Assembly and hold elections forthwith. Sitting next to Fawad and Qureshi his hearing at Islamabad High Court, Imran said he had “Told both of them to only go forward with talks if government is willing to dissolve assembly immediately and hold elections.” “If they bring up holding elections in September or October again, then there is no need for negotiations,” he said, maintaining “Ball is in government’s court” now.

Later, speaking alongside Qureshi following end of talks, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhary brought up matter of alleged harassment by law enforcement, warning that continued arrests of PTI leaders and workers by government could complicate things and derail negotiations process.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 29 2023

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