Govt-opposition talks continue amid heated exchanges between Rana Sana and Raja Nasir

ISLAMABAD -- Talks between the government and the opposition are continuing in the federal capital on Friday, with the two sides discussing the prevailing political situation and matters of mutual concern, while heated exchanges were also witnessed over some issues.

The second round of negotiations was under way in the committee room of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s chamber.

The government delegation was led by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Rana Sanaullah.

The opposition team comprised Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, Aamir Dogar and Salman Akram Raja.

PPP senators Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Jakhrani also attended the meeting.

Sources said heated exchanges took place between the PTI and government teams over some issues, but the talks continued without interruption.

During a discussion on judicial matters, Raja Nasir Abbas and Rana Sanaullah exchanged harsh remarks. Raja Nasir Abbas criticised the alleged non-implementation of court orders and restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder.

Rana Sanaullah maintained that courts were functioning independently and the government would ensure implementation of judicial decisions concerning long marches.

The government also made it clear that Islamabad could not be allowed to be stormed in the name of protest, while describing threats of a long march or an attack on Adiala Jail as inappropriate political conduct. Government members stressed that both sides would have to demonstrate flexibility.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq intervened and urged the participants to resolve their differences through mutual understanding. PPP members largely remained silent during the proceedings.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also briefed the participants on the security situation and law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Before entering the committee room, journalists asked Ayaz Sadiq whether he was playing the role of a facilitator and whether the dialogue would produce results. The speaker responded by reciting the first verse of Surah Al-Fatihah, “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen”.

He said he was only facilitating the dialogue and prayed that it would succeed, stressing that negotiations were the only way to resolve differences and problems.

Ayaz Sadiq said his office would always remain open for dialogue and conflict resolution. He added that offices and positions were temporary, while Parliament was the forum where political issues could be resolved.