Talks, at last
YESTERDAY, the government and opposition finally sat across from each other and talked. A government-led coalition, including representatives of the PPP, and the PTI-led opposition, concluded a round of talks on Friday at the chambers of the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Islamabad.
The meeting had been called after the president and prime minister met on Thursday to discuss the national political and security situation. It seemed like a last-ditch attempt at defusing the escalating political crisis ahead of the PTI’s planned march on the federal capital, scheduled for this Sunday.
Another round of talks will be held today, with time running out. Neither side had much to say regarding what was accomplished in the first round. Mr Sadiq’s assertion that parliament is the right forum for talks is correct, but the opposition is equally justified in demanding that the government demonstrate its seriousness. There is a trust deficit that needs to be bridged quickly.
The government’s constant threats to suspend KP’s elected dispensation over a political protest have escalated hostilities considerably. In that context, both sides did well to start talking.
The PTI’s Barrister Gohar Khan called the one-hour meeting “cordial”, which gives hope. The prime minister’s special assistant on political affairs did not share as positive an assessment, however — pointing to the fact that no decisions were taken and there was no clear progress.
The PTI also seems determined to keep its protest call intact during the negotiations, while the government wants it cancelled unconditionally. The opposition has already shown flexibility by delaying the march from Sept 27 to Oct 4 — perhaps it can be convinced to consider another extension to give the talks a proper chance.
It was not a good omen that the opposition leader in the National Assembly boycotted the sit-down. The fact that the PTI went ahead without him shows that it is putting at least some faith in the process.
Opposition leaders said they need to consult former prime minister Imran Khan to finalise their agenda. Permitting a meeting with him at Adiala is an easy, low-cost goodwill gesture for the government and could create a quick breakthrough.
The other important items for the PTI are allowing the jailed leader to be moved to hospital and the release of his sisters who were arrested ahead of the planned march. Taking these steps would help ease tensions.
The point made by PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari regarding unity against terrorism and hostility from neighbours is a fair one, but national unity alone cannot be a reason to shut down legitimate political dissent. Both sides must step back from ultimatums. The threat of governor’s rule must be taken off the table, and the PTI should drop its ‘we will march no matter what’ stance.
Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2026
