ISLAMABAD, JAN 7 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a strategy to initiate negotiations with the opposition, aiming to ease political tensions, but divisions within the opposition have stalled progress.
On the prime minister’s instructions, the government has finalized a strategy for negotiations with the opposition. Sources say the move is part of broader efforts by PM Shehbaz Sharif to bring political stability to the country.
As part of this plan, the prime minister has given National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq the green signal to begin the dialogue process.
Talks limited to elected PTI reps
According to government sources, it has been decided that negotiations will be held only with elected representatives of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The government has ruled out talks with anyone outside the elected parliamentary leadership.
A government delegation is also ready to engage in talks whenever requested by the National Assembly speaker.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has invited PTI leaders to come to his chamber to begin negotiations. Sources say that if the opposition agrees, the speaker is also prepared to convene a meeting of the National Assembly’s parliamentary committee.
However, despite the speaker’s outreach, no opposition leader has formally contacted him so far, leaving the process at a standstill.
PTI links talks to opp leadership
According to sources, PTI is firm on its demand that Mahmood Khan Achakzai be appointed opposition leader before any negotiations take place.
The party is unwilling to engage in talks until the issue of opposition leadership is resolved, further complicating efforts to start dialogue.
Sources say the last meeting between PTI leaders and the speaker of the National Assembly was also centered solely on the demand to make Mahmood Khan Achakzai the opposition leader.
No broader discussions on negotiations or political reconciliation took place during that meeting.
Political stability govt priority
Despite the deadlock, the government maintains that dialogue through parliament is essential for political stability. Officials say the door for negotiations remains open if the opposition agrees to the proposed framework.
For now, the success of talks depends on whether the opposition softens its stance and responds to the speaker’s offer.
