Islamabad, October 3,2026: The second round of talks between the government and opposition is underway to discuss various issues, including the PTI’s planned march on Islamabad on October 4.
The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, is aimed at easing political tensions ahead of the planned protest, with the release of PTI founder Imran Khan among the party’s demands.
As the meeting began, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope that the talks would be held in the same “cordial atmosphere” as Friday’s session, according to a post on the National Assembly’s official X account.
The government delegation includes Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry.
The PPP is represented by Senator Sherry Rehman, MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani.
The opposition delegation comprises Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh.
KP CM reiterates resolve to hold march
Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reiterated his determination to proceed with the PTI’s October 4 march and said the party would not allow a repeat of the events of May 9, 2023.
Afridi said an “ocean of people” would begin the march from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on October 4.
He said the party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and law was ensured and an independent judiciary was restored.
Reacting to the KP chief minister’s remarks, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said such statements could affect the ongoing negotiations and urged PTI leaders to refrain from making similar comments until the dialogue process reached its final stage.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said her party was making efforts to resolve political issues through democratic means. Asked about the KP chief minister’s stance on the march, she said it was a matter for the PTI but declined to comment further before the conclusion of the talks.
Opposition finalises talks strategy
Before meeting the government team, the opposition held a meeting to finalise standard operating procedures for the negotiations.
It was decided that the opposition would propose that neither side issue statements to the media during the talks and that a joint statement be released after the meeting to avoid confusion and differences of opinion.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said the opposition had also discussed the government’s concerns regarding the law and order situation in KP and prepared a response after consultation with the provincial chief minister.
Bilawal calls for political solution
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N-led government, had urged the PTI on Friday to unconditionally call off the long march, saying this would allow the country to focus collectively on terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries.
Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to engage jointly with the opposition, saying political problems should be addressed through political means.
Meanwhile, PTI KP Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai said the party’s October 4 protest would proceed and would be led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The talks are taking place amid heightened political tensions. On Friday, the military leadership warned that any attempt to create agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with with “decisive force”.
Talks follow first formal engagement in years
The government and PTI held their first formal talks in almost three years on Friday, with both sides apprising each other of their positions and expressing hope for progress.
According to media reports citing sources, the PTI wants its incarcerated founder Imran Khan to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has called for the protest march to be called off.
The PTI had announced the march in August, initially scheduling it for September 27 before postponing it to October 4.
The government has also warned that it could consider imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the planned protest. The PTI, meanwhile, has warned of consequences if such a step is taken.
The decision to initiate talks was taken at a meeting at the Presidency on Thursday attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders.
The meeting comes as both sides attempt to address their differences through dialogue ahead of the October 4 protest.
