Govt, PTI talks underway ahead of Oct 4 march

Talks between the government and opposition were underway on Friday as political tensions intensified ahead of the PTI’s planned October 4 protest march in Islamabad.

The negotiations are aimed at easing the ongoing political tensions and finding a way to prevent the situation from escalating. The PTI has remained committed to holding the protest, with the release of party founder Imran Khan among its key demands.

Representatives from the ruling coalition and opposition are taking part in the discussions. The government side includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, and lawmakers Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani.

The opposition delegation includes PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Yousafzai, Senate Opposition Leader Abbas, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and Haleem Adil Sheikh.

The talks come amid warnings from federal ministers that the government could consider imposing governor’s rule or emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing security concerns and the planned protest. The opposition has warned of serious consequences if such steps are taken.

Earlier, Rana Sanaullah confirmed that informal discussions between the government and PTI were already taking place over the proposed march. He said the final decision rested with PTI’s senior leadership but added that the government had made preparations to deal with the protest if it went ahead.

The latest talks follow a meeting at the presidency attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other political leaders, where the country’s political situation was discussed.