ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan is scheduled to meet National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday, ARY News reported, citing sources.
The meeting will take place in the Speaker’s chamber at Parliament House.
Gohar is expected to raise concerns over the recent arrests of PTI lawmakers. The leaders will also discuss the country’s political situation and the status of talks between the PTI and the federal government.
Sources said the PTI had sought Sadiq’s help in facilitating the resumption of negotiations.
Tarar Calls Governor’s Rule Speculation Premature
The meeting comes amid renewed political tensions over the PTI’s planned long march and security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said discussion about imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in KP was premature.
Speaking on ARY News’ programme Eleventh Hour, Tarar criticised the provincial government’s handling of law and order.
He alleged that the KP government had shown sympathies towards terrorists and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Tarar said he could only comment on verified information in his capacity as a federal minister. He added that speculation about governor’s rule or an emergency required caution.
The minister also alleged that governance under the PTI-led provincial government had collapsed and that militants were moving freely.
He said the government had failed to strengthen police capacity, resulting in loss of lives. He added that residents were angry because protecting citizens and their property was a basic responsibility of the provincial government.
Tarar Questions PTI’s Planned March
Tarar also questioned the leadership of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
He claimed Afridi lacked the ability to mobilise people. Tarar further alleged that Afridi had met individuals he had previously described as “touts” and had pleaded with former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The minister said the PTI had announced a long march despite ongoing terrorist activity in the province.
“If they want to hold a long march, they should march against terrorism and for the protection of the people,” Tarar said.
He added that holding a march towards Islamabad would be difficult under the current circumstances.
Tarar also highlighted the need to protect the capital, including its Diplomatic Enclave and foreign missions.
“We will ensure Islamabad remains safe and make complete arrangements. There is absolutely no permission to destroy the peace of the capital or endanger people’s lives and property,” he said.
PM Shehbaz to Meet Jamaat-e-Islami Leaders
Tarar also said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was returning from London on Tuesday.
He said the prime minister had committed to meeting Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leadership and that the meeting would take place soon.
The minister described JI’s protests as peaceful and said the party had maintained a civilised tone.
He added that the outcome of the meeting would become clear after the two sides held discussions.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Speaker has previously described his office as a channel for facilitating dialogue between the government and PTI.
