The first session of talks between the government and opposition negotiation committees, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, lasted for around two hours and concluded on a positive note as both sides vowed to continue the talks.
Both sides expressed goodwill and termed the meeting a significant ‘step forward’.
The government committee included Ishaq Dar, Irfan Siddiqui, and Rana Sanaullah, while Abdul Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Dr. Farooq Sattar were also part of the discussions. Representing PTI, Asad Qaiser, Raja Ansar Abbas, and Hamid Raza participated. Asad Qaiser explained that other PTI members could not attend due to court cases abroad.
Both committees highlighted the importance of Parliament as a critical forum for resolving national issues and expressed optimism that the negotiation process would continue.
The opposition committee presented an outline of initial demands during the session. They are expected to submit written demands and conditions at the next meeting, which will guide the next steps in the dialogue.
The session concluded with a recitation of Fatiha for the martyrs of the war against terrorism, emphasizing the need for national unity during challenging times.
The meeting of the government and opposition negotiation committees was held with both sides engaging in discussions to address pressing political issues.
Sources have confirmed that the next meeting is scheduled for January 2, during which the opposition is expected to present its written ‘charter of demands’.
According to insiders, government allies and the opposition will consult with their respective leaders before the next session to ensure alignment on key issues.
During the discussions, Federal Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly expressed frustration, stating, "Every time we take negotiation issues forward, a new tweet emerges."
PTI’s Asad Qaiser acknowledged the concern, saying, "We agree on this and have discussed it in detail within our core committee."
Qaiser also condemned the use of negative rhetoric on social media, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.
Former Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf echoed this sentiment, stating, "The success of the negotiation process lies in avoiding negative media campaigns from both sides."
The first in-camera session of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and coalition government negotiating committee has been kicked off under the chair of the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq at the speaker's chamber.
Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, Allama Nasir Abbas are attending the meeting while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Irfan Siddiqui are part of the government negotiating committee.
Federal minister Abdul Aleem Khan, MQM’s Farooq Sattar, PPP’s Pervez Ashraf, and Naveed Qamar are also present.
The first in-camera meeting of the government and opposition negotiation committee under the chairmanship of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Speaker National Assembly welcomed the members of the government and opposition negotiation committee for attending the meeting.
The process of negotiations between the government and the opposition is a good omen, Speaker National Assembly
The process of negotiations is the beauty of democracy, Speaker National Assembly
The Speaker welcomed the process of forming a negotiation committee between the government and the opposition members.
This country is ours and the people have elected us to solve their problems, Speaker National Assembly
Parliament is an elected body of 240 million people and the people have many hopes for the parliament, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq .As public representatives, we have to find solutions to the problems of the people, Speaker National Assembly
With cordial relations between the government and the opposition, the country's problems can be resolved amicably, Speaker National Assembly
The country's economic development depends on political stability, Speaker National Assembly .The current situation of the country requires promoting political harmony, Speaker National Assembly
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Senator Irfan Siddiqui were present in the first in-camera meeting of the negotiation committee.
Abdul Aleem Khan, former Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr. Farooq Sattar were also present in the committee meeting.
Former Speaker Asad Qaiser Sahibzada Hamid Raza and Senator Allama Abbas were included in the negotiation committee from the opposition.
The federal government negotiating committee member Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed optimism as he arrived at the Parliament House for talks.
"We are entering these negotiations with open hearts and minds, carrying positive expectations," Siddiqui said. He emphasized that they are moving forward with good intentions, setting aside past differences, and hope for positive outcomes
He added that both parties will present their positions during today's discussions, with the well-being of Pakistan's citizens and the country's development at the forefront of their minds.The long-awaited negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have officially commenced in Islamabad on Monday.The talks, aimed at addressing the country’s ongoing political challenges, are taking place at the Parliament House.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is presiding over the discussions, which feature key political figures from across the spectrum.
Representing the government are Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar.
On the PTI side, the delegation includes former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.
However, key PTI members Omar Ayub, Ali Amin, and Salman Akram Raja are not attending today’s session due to prior commitments, including court appearances and international trips.
The first round of discussions is an in-camera session, during which the venue for future talks and terms of reference (ToRs) will be decided, Express News reported.
Both parties have expressed hopes of a positive outcome as they seek to ease the political tensions that have gripped Pakistan in recent months.
Speaking to the media upon his arrival at Parliament House, Irfan Siddiqui expressed optimism, saying, “We are participating with good intentions and a focus on Pakistan’s development and prosperity. By setting aside the past, we hope for positive outcomes from these talks.”
Umar Ayub echoed a cautious sentiment, stating that the initial round of talks would reveal the government’s intentions. “The committee has been formed, and we will see where this process leads,” he added.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, highlighted the importance of senior members' involvement as a testament to the seriousness of the ongoing negotiations. Speaking in Parliament, he shared that Barrister Gohar had suggested his role in facilitating the talks, which led him to request the Prime Minister’s support.
"I am grateful to all members for forming the committee. The presence of senior figures underscores the gravity of these discussions. I hope the dialogue will focus on Pakistan’s betterment. Every issue finds its solution through negotiations," Sadiq stated.
It should be noted here that Imran had put forward his two demands: release of under-trial political prisoners and a judicial investigation into the May 9 incidents and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, otherwise a civil disobedience movement would be launched.
However, the government side had been dragging its feet on the issue of the talks with the opposition, saying that the negotiations could not take place with pre-conditions and under the shadow of any threat.
The latest development came on the advice of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who had been approached by the PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar.
The Speaker said that the Prime Minister's initiative to resolve issues through talks was welcome and he had invited the government and the opposition to the talks in good faith. "The doors of the Speaker's Office are always open to members," he said.
"Progress can only be achieved through talks and dialogue. To take the process forward, the members of both committees have been invited to meet tomorrow, [today] at 11:30am. I will meet the members of both committees in my chamber."
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of the speaker for national cohesion and expressed the hope that national solidarity and national interests would be held supreme during the talks with PTI. "Pakistan is the reason of our existence," he said.
