The first session of talks between the government and opposition negotiation committees, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, lasted for around two hours and concluded on a positive note as both sides vowed to continue the talks.
Both sides expressed goodwill and termed the meeting a significant ‘step forward’.
The government committee included Ishaq Dar, Irfan Siddiqui, and Rana Sanaullah, while Abdul Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Dr. Farooq Sattar were also part of the discussions. Representing PTI, Asad Qaiser, Raja Ansar Abbas, and Hamid Raza participated. Asad Qaiser explained that other PTI members could not attend due to court cases abroad.
Both committees highlighted the importance of Parliament as a critical forum for resolving national issues and expressed optimism that the negotiation process would continue.
The opposition committee presented an outline of initial demands during the session. They are expected to submit written demands and conditions at the next meeting, which will guide the next steps in the dialogue.
The session concluded with a recitation of Fatiha for the martyrs of the war against terrorism, emphasizing the need for national unity during challenging times.
Inside Story of the negotiation committee meeting
The meeting of the government and opposition negotiation committees was held with both sides engaging in discussions to address pressing political issues.
Sources have confirmed that the next meeting is scheduled for January 2, during which the opposition is expected to present its written ‘charter of demands’.
According to insiders, government allies and the opposition will consult with their respective leaders before the next session to ensure alignment on key issues.
Both sides vow to shun twitter-war amid talks
During the discussions, Federal Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly expressed frustration, stating, "Every time we take negotiation issues forward, a new tweet emerges."
PTI’s Asad Qaiser acknowledged the concern, saying, "We agree on this and have discussed it in detail within our core committee."
Qaiser also condemned the use of negative rhetoric on social media, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.
Former Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf echoed this sentiment, stating, "The success of the negotiation process lies in avoiding negative media campaigns from both sides."
First in-camera session of govt-PTI talks held in parliament
The first in-camera session of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and coalition government negotiating committee has been kicked off under the chair of the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq at the speaker's chamber.
Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, Allama Nasir Abbas are attending the meeting while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Irfan Siddiqui are part of the government negotiating committee.
Federal minister Abdul Aleem Khan, MQM’s Farooq Sattar, PPP’s Pervez Ashraf, and Naveed Qamar are also present.
NA Speaker’s view on negotiations
The first in-camera meeting of the government and opposition negotiation committee under the chairmanship of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Speaker National Assembly welcomed the members of the government and opposition negotiation committee for attending the meeting.
The process of negotiations between the government and the opposition is a good omen, Speaker National Assembly
The process of negotiations is the beauty of democracy, Speaker National Assembly
The Speaker welcomed the process of forming a negotiation committee between the government and the opposition members.
The government and the opposition coming together will strengthen democracy, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Negotiations are the only solution to political problems in a democracy, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
This country is ours and the people have elected us to solve their problems, Speaker National Assembly
Parliament is an elected body of 240 million people and the people have many hopes for the parliament, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
As public representatives, we have to find solutions to the problems of the people, Speaker National Assembly
With cordial relations between the government and the opposition, the country's problems can be resolved amicably, Speaker National Assembly
The country's economic development depends on political stability, Speaker National Assembly
The current situation of the country requires promoting political harmony, Speaker National Assembly
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Senator Irfan Siddiqui were present in the first in-camera meeting of the negotiation committee.
Abdul Aleem Khan, former Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr. Farooq Sattar were also present in the committee meeting.
Former Speaker Asad Qaiser Sahibzada Hamid Raza and Senator Allama Abbas were included in the negotiation committee from the opposition.
The federal government negotiating committee member Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed optimism as he arrived at the Parliament House for talks.
"We are entering these negotiations with open hearts and minds, carrying positive expectations," Siddiqui said. He emphasized that they are moving forward with good intentions, setting aside past differences, and hope for positive outcomes.
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He added that both parties will present their positions during today's discussions, with the well-being of Pakistan's citizens and the country's development at the forefront of their minds.
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MQM’s reshuffle in committee
Farooq Sattar has been named as Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui's replacement in the negotiation committee.
Dr. Farooq Sattar will sit on the negotiation committee today.
Talking to media persons, Farooq Sattar emphasized the need for individuals who closely monitor politics, as the people of Pakistan are currently affected by the ongoing political crisis.
Dr. Sattar stressed the importance of not letting this opportunity with the negotiation committee go to waste. He stated, "Politics is about finding solutions in difficult times," and expressed confidence that today's discussions will present demands, leading to potential solutions.
He highlighted that both face-saving and solutions are required in the current situation. Dr. Sattar remains hopeful that the political parties will work towards a resolution.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the formation of a negotiation committee comprising members of the ruling coalition to address proposals regarding the National Assembly.
The decision comes after PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar requested the Speaker of the National Assembly to play a mediatory role in initiating dialogue.
The committee includes key figures from the government and coalition parties Senator Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Abdul Aleem Khan, Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Sardar Khalid Magsi.
Read more: Ayaz Sadiq invites PTI, govt committees for first round of negotiations
