Govt not serious about political dialogue, says Raja Nasir Abbas

Speaking to private media, Abbas said the opposition has consistently advocated dialogue and political engagement as the best way to address

Islamabad: Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, has accused the government of lacking genuine commitment to political engagement, saying it is not serious about holding meaningful talks to resolve the country’s ongoing political challenges.

Speaking to private media, Abbas said the opposition has consistently advocated dialogue and political engagement as the best way to address national issues. He stressed that the opposition remains ready for constructive negotiations and urged the government to take practical steps toward initiating the process.

Referring to recent efforts aimed at opening communication channels, Abbas said senior politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai had proposed a meeting in Parliament’s Constitution Room and had even suggested that discussions could take place at the residence of government representative Rana Sanaullah if needed. According to Abbas, these proposals reflected the opposition’s willingness to find common ground.

Currently in Iraq to attend Arbaeen commemorations, Abbas said he is prepared to return to Pakistan immediately if meaningful negotiations are scheduled. He reiterated that the opposition is willing to meet the prime minister and the government’s negotiating team at any time to pursue a political settlement.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai also questioned the government’s intentions, arguing that recent actions contradict its public calls for dialogue. He said that if the government were genuinely interested in negotiations, it would not have registered terrorism-related cases against opposition members.

Yousafzai maintained that successful negotiations require a positive political environment, alleging that government actions have instead deepened tensions. He further claimed that meaningful talks would have included facilitating meetings between opposition leaders and jailed PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, adding that even family members have reportedly faced restrictions on meeting him.

The latest statements highlight the continuing deadlock between the government and the opposition, with both sides publicly expressing support for dialogue while accusing each other of creating obstacles to meaningful political negotiations.