ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said on Thursday that the agenda of a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the opposition leader mattered more than its venue. He reiterated the government’s willingness to hold talks on issues of national importance.
Speaking to Geo News, Chaudhry said the prime minister was ready to meet National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai to discuss matters of national interest and fulfil constitutional obligations.
Earlier, opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) proposed holding the meeting in Parliament’s Constitution Room.
“If the prime minister comes to the opposition chamber, we will take him to the Constitution Room,” TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain told Geo News. He said the opposition wanted negotiations at a neutral venue, without ego or stubbornness obstructing dialogue.
Achakzai had previously declined to attend talks in the National Assembly speaker’s chamber. He said he would participate if the meeting took place at a neutral location.
Govt Defends Emergency Measures in KP
The latest push for dialogue comes as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Peshawar and chaired a meeting of the federal apex committee to review the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
It was his first visit to the province since President Asif Ali Zardari proclaimed emergency and governor’s rule on October 11 on the prime minister’s advice.
Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz said the measures had been taken under “extreme compulsion.”
Chaudhry rejected allegations that the federal government wanted to take control of KP for political reasons. He questioned why the Centre would seek responsibility for a province facing terrorism and resource constraints.
The minister maintained that the measures aimed to restore peace and support development in the province.
Minister Blames Opposition Delegation for Failed Negotiations
Responding to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja’s remarks that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was not responsible for the failed negotiations, Chaudhry questioned whether the opposition delegation had the authority to make a final decision.
He claimed the parties had finalised four drafts during the talks. However, opposition representatives repeatedly sought Afridi’s approval, according to the minister.
Chaudhry said the delegation eventually withdrew from the fourth draft, citing the chief minister’s disagreement.
He also said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had clarified arrangements concerning doctors’ access and meetings during the negotiations.
The minister urged political parties to unite against terrorism. He expressed confidence that peace and development could return to KP through collective efforts.
Govt-Opposition Talks Collapse After Four Rounds
The renewed call for dialogue follows the breakdown of negotiations between the federal government and the opposition in the early hours of October 4.
The parties held four rounds of discussions on counterterrorism cooperation in KP and access to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan.
Government representatives, opposition leaders and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) members took part in the negotiations. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the sides had agreed on most points but failed to resolve differences over the final draft.
According to the government’s account, the proposed agreement included joint efforts against terrorism and condemnation of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups.
It also covered implementing the national policy on Afghan refugees and preventing Afghan territory from being used to launch attacks against Pakistan.
The draft further proposed increased funding for counterterrorism and police operations, alongside closer coordination between provincial authorities and security forces.
Naqvi accused Afridi of backing away from commitments made during the talks. The opposition, however, disputed the government’s account.
Parliament Endorses Emergency and Governor’s Rule
Following the collapse of negotiations, President Zardari proclaimed emergency and governor’s rule in KP on October 11 under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, respectively.
The federal government cited rising terrorist incidents and shortcomings in the provincial administration’s counterterrorism efforts to justify the measures.
PTI opposed the decision, arguing that it undermined the province’s elected government and democratic mandate.
Parliament later endorsed the presidential proclamations during a joint sitting on October 15. The government maintained that the measures were necessary to restore peace and improve security in the province.
