First round of talks between govt, opposition end as PTI’s Oct 4 protest looms over Islamabad

The first round of negotiations between the opposition led by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) and the ruling coalition over the proposed long march on October 4 concluded on Friday. Both sides agreed to resume dialogue on Saturday. The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, aimed to alleviate the country's ongoing political crisis.

The PTI's planned protest marched, demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, has become a point of contention between the party and the federal government. Following the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of resolving national issues through dialogue and negotiations. The opposition, represented by PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, stated that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had made his stance on the long march clear: the PTI would have to call it off "unconditionally".

Federal ministers have warned that imposing governor's rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an option if the situation becomes volatile. The opposition has threatened dire consequences if such a decision is made. Bilawal expressed hope that the talks would result in the opposition unconditionally calling off the long march, allowing the country to focus on addressing the threat of terrorism.

The PTI Chairman, Gohar Khan, stated that both parties had shared their positions on all issues discussed during the negotiations, and that Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai had the mandate for further talks.