ISLAMABAD: Opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has proposed holding a potential meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai 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 on Thursday.
Hussain said the opposition had proposed the Constitution Room for final negotiations. He added that the alliance had invited the prime minister to visit the opposition chamber.
The proposal comes days after Rana Sanaullah, the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, urged the opposition to set aside its other demands and discuss counterterrorism with the government.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is ready to invite all stakeholders to discuss this [terrorism],” Sanaullah said during a Senate session on Tuesday.
Government and Opposition Disagree Over Venue
Sanaullah had previously rejected Achakzai’s demand for a neutral venue, insisting that the talks should take place at the Prime Minister’s House.
“The Prime Minister House is not anyone’s personal property; it belongs to the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hussain urged both sides to avoid letting ego or stubbornness obstruct negotiations. He said Achakzai had also proposed holding the meeting at Sanaullah’s residence or at the home of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
According to Hussain, Achakzai had invited the prime minister to his chamber for coffee. He added that the opposition was also willing to visit the Prime Minister’s House after meeting Shehbaz Sharif.
Previous Talks Ended Without Agreement
Achakzai had declined to participate in earlier negotiations between the government and opposition in the National Assembly speaker’s chamber. He had said he would join the talks if the parties agreed to meet at a neutral location.
Following his refusal, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reconstituted its negotiating delegation. However, the talks ultimately failed to produce an agreement.
Dispute Intensifies After KP Emergency
After the negotiations collapsed, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government imposed governor’s rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11.
The government cited the province’s deteriorating security situation and concerns over counterterrorism efforts.
PTI, founded by Imran Khan and in power in the province since 2013, has challenged the measures in court.
The proposed meeting could provide another opportunity for the government and opposition to discuss security concerns and their wider political differences.
