ISLAMABAD: Amidst the looming January 31 deadline set by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for a resolution-oriented conclusion of negotiations, the second round of talks between the PTI and the government was held in a notably cordial environment. Speaking to The Scoop after chairing the negotiations, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq confirmed that PTI would present its charter of demands in the next meeting after consulting its jailed founder, Imran Khan.

“In the last meeting, we agreed that PTI would present its charter of demands. However, the opposition has sought another meeting with [PTI founder] Imran Khan to finalise their demands. The next session is expected to take place next week,” Sadiq said.

The negotiations, held at the Constitution Committee Room of the Parliament House, focused on national issues, including the economy and terrorism. Sadiq expressed satisfaction over the discussions, stating that all participants were committed to working together for the country’s betterment. He particularly praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for tabling “excellent proposals” and engaging in constructive dialogue.

Participants in negotiations

The PTI delegation included prominent figures such as Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, and PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja. Religious leaders, including Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Sunni Ittehad Council Chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, were also part of the team.

On the government side, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar led the delegation, accompanied by PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, MQM-P lawmaker Farooq Sattar, and Balochistan Awami Party’s Khalid Magsi.

Joint declaration

After the meeting, Senator Siddiqui presented a joint declaration, highlighting the PTI’s demands, which included the release of incarcerated workers and Imran Khan, and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 26 incidents.

“The PTI has emphasised that Imran Khan’s guidance is essential for the continuation of these negotiations,” Siddiqui noted, adding that the government had no objection to the PTI committee meeting Khan in prison.

The PTI delegation was tasked with submitting its charter of demands in written form after consulting its founder. “The date for the third round of talks will be decided after the PTI committee finalises their charter,” Siddiqui concluded.

Dialogue to resolve political instability

Sher Afzal Marwat, a PTI lawmaker, held a separate meeting with Speaker Sadiq before the formal talks. Speaking to The Scoop, Marwat expressed hope that the ongoing dialogue would end the prevailing political instability in the country.

“We want an end to political uncertainty and are committed to achieving stability through these negotiations,” he said, welcoming the government’s decision to facilitate discussions.

For his part, KP CM Gandapur acknowledged that while PTI’s demands were not formally documented yet, relevant papers would be shared with the government in the coming days.

First round recap

The first round of talks, held last month, marked a breakthrough in the tense political climate. Both sides expressed unity on combating terrorism and paid tribute to the martyrs of the nation. However, the PTI warned of initiating a civil disobedience movement if its demands, including the release of political prisoners and the judicial commission, were not met.

As negotiations progress, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges. The upcoming session will be pivotal in determining whether the government and the opposition can reach a consensus to stabilise the nation’s political and economic trajectory.