We hope that PTI will join the meeting, says Ishaq Dar.
Deputy PM states the government has prepared a response to PTI’s demands.
PTI must return to the table; dialogue is the only way forward: Rana Sanaullah.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Monday expressed optimism that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would return to negotiations. This statement followed the inconclusive end of the fourth round of talks, which stalled as PTI chose not to attend.
Speaking to the media, Ayaz Sadiq said the absence of PTI hindered progress in the discussions.
“I hope the dialogue will resume. The [government’s] negotiation committee will remain intact and will not dissolve. Dialogue is the only path forward. I urge the opposition to find a way for talks,” Sadiq stated.
His remarks came after PTI refused to attend the fourth round of talks, citing the government’s failure to establish a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 2024 Islamabad protest.
The ongoing dialogue between the PML-N-led government and PTI began in late December, amid heightened political tensions. Three sessions have been held, but little progress has been made on key issues.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “We hope they [PTI] will come to the meeting. We have prepared a response to their demands. If they had attended, we would have presented our reply to them.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that the channels for dialogue must remain open.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah stated that PTI must return to the table as there is no other way forward. He suggested the formation of a parliamentary committee instead of a judicial commission, citing legal constraints.
