Govt forms committee to open talks with PTI amid political tensions

The federal government has decided to initiate talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the party’s planned Islamabad protest.

The decision was taken during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday. A joint delegation comprising representatives of the federal government and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is expected to meet PTI leaders on Friday.

The meeting also reviewed the country’s overall security situation, with particular focus on developments in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). The leadership stressed the need for stronger coordination among state institutions and renewed efforts to counter terrorism and maintain peace and stability.

The talks come as tensions remain high following PTI’s decision to postpone its Islamabad march from September 27 to October 4. The planned protest has further strained relations between the federal government and the PTI-led K-P administration.

The political standoff has also coincided with growing discussion within the federal government over possible constitutional and legal measures in K-P. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry recently said the Centre was seriously considering the possibility of imposing an emergency in the province amid security concerns.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had said the government was examining legal options, including Governor’s Rule. However, Information Minister Atta Tarar later said the Centre had no plan to remove the PTI government in K-P.

K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has also warned that the provincial government should avoid actions that could create circumstances for the imposition of Governor’s Rule.

K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, meanwhile, has maintained a firm position against such measures. He has said the PTI would continue resisting policies it considers harmful to the province and would not back down because of warnings regarding Governor’s Rule or an emergency.