ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government’s offer for dialogue with the opposition remained on the table, urging opposition parties to demonstrate seriousness and agree on a time and venue for negotiations.
In this regard, Chaudhry said political issues could only be addressed through serious engagement, stressing that the government was ready to move forward with talks.
“The solution lies in seriousness,” the minister said, calling on the opposition to decide when and where the negotiations should take place.
He questioned the opposition’s approach, saying that it appeared contradictory to demand dialogue while, at the same time, attempting to disrupt the political system.
In this regard, Senator Abdul Qadir also supported dialogue, saying political problems should be resolved through political means. He urged the government and opposition to sit together and agree on terms of reference (TORs) for negotiations.
“If you don’t accept the system, then you should not accept the leader of the opposition seat either,” he remarked.
Later, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Chaudhry held a meeting with National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas at the opposition leader’s chamber.
The meeting discussed the appointment of the chief election commissioner, the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual political interest.
The two sides agreed to continue their meetings, the spokesperson said.
Chaudhry said Achakzai had written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seeking a “constitutional consultative meeting”. He expressed hope that the prime minister would respond within the next two days.
The government and opposition have remained at odds since the 2024 general elections. The PTI had demanded judicial investigations into the May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 incidents, while disagreements have also expanded to issues concerning PTI founder Imran Khan’s health and release.
The government has repeatedly called for dialogue. In December last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered talks but maintained that negotiations should focus on legitimate matters.
The opposition has previously differed over the venue and conditions for negotiations. In July, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the opposition was willing to engage in talks but wanted a neutral venue, preferably Parliament House.
The PTI has also called for a conducive environment for negotiations, including improved access to meetings and medical care for Imran Khan.
Despite the differences, Monday’s meeting and agreement to continue consultations indicated a renewed effort to keep political dialogue alive amid ongoing tensions.
