Govt, TLP reach agreement after successful negotiations

Islamabad: Authorities from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's negotiating team are holding a press conference—giving details of its talks with the banned outfit Tehrik-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, Mufti Muneeb and Member of the National Assembly Ali Muhammad Khan are holding a press conference—disclosing all the details regarding proscribed organization TLP’s matter.

Earlier in the day, the press conference was delayed, with foreign minister telling reporters at the PID that it would be held "shortly". They later announced that the press conference would be held at 3:15pm before revising the timing again to 2:45pm.

Starting the conference today, Mufti Muneeb Rehman stated that talks with the banned organization turned out well.

“Negotiations between the government and TLP have been successful,” said Mufti Muneeb.

He added that the government and members of TLP had a detailed discussion over the matter following which an agreement has been reached between both, following mutual trust.

Mufti Muneeb further added that the dialogue was successful after rationality prevailed over sentiments and all relevant participants’ demonstrated patience. 

While urging the whole nation, he said that it’s not the victory or defeat of any individual, but a victory of Islam and patriotism.

He added, “During dialogues— that were held in a serious and independent environment, everyone made their contribution, to which I am grateful”.  

“The dialogues were never held under any pressure,” he stated.

Mufti Rehman said that the agreement was also backed by TLP chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi.

As per initial reports, government’s top priority was to put an end to the protest march of banned outfit that resulted a fearful atmosphere for several days in country.

Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Minister thanked all the members who played their role in reaching out to this agreement.

The Minister said peace will prevail in the result of this agreement. He said we believe in the power of negotiations and everyone should play the role for betterment of the country.

Earlier, the negotiation team inducted three new members into its 12-member committee including Khawaja Ghulam Qutubuddin, Sheikhul Hadith Allma Rafiq Ahmad Majadadai and Maulana Sardar Wazirul Qadri.

The religious leaders from all over the country also met the Prime Minister Imran Khan and expressed their determination to resolve the issue peacefully.

Yesterday, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said that the 12 member committee has been constituted for holding negotiations between the government and the leadership of proscribed TLP.

“The issue would be resolved amicably,” he added.

He expressed confidence that the situation would improve as a result of negations. Ulema and religious scholars have assured of their cooperation and expressed their resolve to wrap up the matter peacefully, he said adding that the prime minister told the participants of meeting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has always welcomed meaningful and serious talks.

The suggestions of Ulema, which save the country from bloodshed would be considered.

Sunni Ittehad Council President Sahibzada Hamid Raza said the prime minister had assured the meeting’s participants that the government did not want any bloodshed.