ISLAMABAD: Government and opposition negotiators have reportedly made progress towards an understanding over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned October 4 long march on Islamabad, with a joint draft reportedly being prepared after marathon talks.
The second round of negotiations continued past midnight as both sides discussed their demands and possible measures to ease political tensions.
Joint draft being prepared
Sources familiar with the talks said the government and opposition had reached an understanding on several issues and that a joint draft agreement was being prepared.
However, official details of the agreement were not immediately announced.
PPP leader and member of the negotiation committee Naveed Qamar said the talks could be described as successful and that a joint statement would be issued after some wording in the draft was finalised.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq played an important role in keeping both sides at the negotiating table and encouraging them to continue discussions despite disagreements.
Final decision linked to Imran Khan meeting
Despite reports of progress, opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai said no final decision could be taken before meeting jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
Sources said the government had agreed to a meeting involving Allama Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Achakzai with Imran Khan.
Achakzai reportedly insisted that the opposition would convey its final decision only after consulting the PTI founder.
He also called for the release of Imran Khan’s sisters before an agreement could be finalised and proposed that the PTI founder meet KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Allama Nasir Abbas.
KP CM maintains October 4 march plan
While negotiations continued in Islamabad, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi remained committed to the PTI’s planned march.
Afridi announced a detailed route for the first stages of the protest, with PTI supporters from several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expected to join the caravan.
According to the announced plan, the march would begin from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4 before moving through areas including Karak, Kohat, Peshawar and Charsadda.
The KP chief minister said participants from across the province would eventually gather at Khairabad, where the next phase of the march would be announced.
PTI considers postponement
Sources said some members of the PTI’s political and core committees were considering postponing the long march rather than completely calling it off if negotiations continued to make progress.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the negotiations were important for the country, democracy and political stability.
He expressed hope that the talks would produce a positive outcome and that the long march could proceed without the imposition of emergency measures or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Government wants protest called off
The government had reportedly demanded that the opposition end the planned march in order to create an environment for continued negotiations.
The talks followed an earlier meeting between government and opposition representatives on Friday, which ended without a final agreement.
The second round was delayed several times before beginning at the National Assembly speaker’s chamber.
The government delegation included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and PPP leaders.
The opposition delegation included Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Aamir Dogar and Haleem Adil.
Political tensions remain
The latest negotiations come amid heightened political tensions surrounding the PTI’s planned Islamabad march and the government’s concerns over public order and security.
Both sides have indicated that dialogue remains possible, but the final outcome depends on consultations with Imran Khan and the decisions of the respective political leadership.
For now, the October 4 march remains uncertain, with negotiations offering the possibility of a postponement or agreement while KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi continues to maintain the announced protest schedule.
