Government, PTI Set for Second Round of Talks Saturday as October 4 March Stays On

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are set to resume negotiations on Saturday afternoon after their first round of talks ended without a breakthrough, with the opposition party’s planned October 4 long march toward Islamabad still firmly on course, according to The News and other outlets.

The first round, held on Friday in the National Assembly Speaker’s chamber in Islamabad, saw both delegations present their positions but reach no decision. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told journalists the meeting was held in a good atmosphere and that the opposition had laid out its demands clearly. The Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, confirmed no agreement had been reached.

Sources said the second round is scheduled for 2pm on Saturday. The government is asking the PTI to postpone or cancel the march, while the opposition is pressing for permission for its leaders to meet incarcerated party founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail and for the implementation of a Supreme Court order concerning his transfer to a hospital. The government has assured the opposition the court order will be implemented.

Despite the dialogue, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has confirmed the long march will set out from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4, with Karak as its first stop. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said political issues must be settled through dialogue, hoping the negotiations would persuade the opposition to call off the march.

Sources

• Govt-opposition talks to resume Saturday after no breakthrough in first round — The News
• Pakistan’s Ruling Alliance, Opposition Hold Talks Over PTI Long March — WeNews
• Govt, PTI Resume Talks Amid Tensions Over October 4 Islamabad March — Click Pakistan