ISLAMABAD: As uncertainty continues to shroud the possibility of negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led opposition, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has expressed his readiness to play a role in talks between the treasury and opposition benches.
“I am ready to play a role in talks on any issue, including political ones. My office and home are always available for government-opposition talks,” said Sadiq in a video statement on Wednesday.
Welcoming yesterday’s exchanges between the government and PTI leaders in the lower house, the speaker underscored the significance of talks for ending the persisting bitterness between the two sides.
The remarks come against the backdrop of ambiguity surrounding the PTI-government dialogue which have been the talk of the town ever since the party’s founder, Imran Khan, formed a five-member negotiation committee.
The committee comprising NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser has been mandated to demand the release of “political prisoners” facing trial and the constitution of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023 and a late-night crackdown on PTI protesters on November 26.
Speaking to Geo News on Wednesday, Marwat, while complaining of political instability with thousands of their workers behind bars, said that it would be beneficial for the country if a solution emerged via the parliamentary committee. Stressing that the party’s negotiation committee had full authority, the PTI lawmaker said that matters including the May 9 incidents and alleged theft of mandate will be discussed in the talks. “Hopefully political leadership will agree to a lasting formula,” he noted.
