Islamabad, October 1, 2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Thursday that the party had accepted the government’s offer for talks ahead of its planned long march on October 4.
Gohar said the government had conveyed its invitation for a meeting and that the opposition had agreed to it following consultations among its leaders. Representatives of the government and opposition will meet at noon on Friday in the office of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
The PTI had originally planned the long march for September 27 but later postponed it to October 4. The party has said the protest is aimed at seeking the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
The decision to engage in talks came as PTI leaders continued consultations over the planned march. Gohar had earlier said the party’s doors remained open for negotiations with the government.
He also called for efforts to remain focused on preventing terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reiterated the PTI’s position that terrorism should not be politicised.
Gohar warned against imposing governor’s rule in the province, saying such a step would increase tensions and divisions. He also maintained that the party’s October 4 programme remained in place.
Opposition seeks talks without conditions
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the opposition was willing to negotiate with the government but insisted that talks should be held without preconditions.
He said the planned march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would remain peaceful and that the opposition was prepared to engage with its political opponents in the interest of the country.
The development comes amid reports that the federal government has been holding consultations over possible measures in response to the planned march. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday that “off-the-record” discussions with senior PTI leaders were already underway.
Achakzai objects to meeting at official offices
Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, meanwhile, said he would not meet the prime minister or National Assembly speaker at their official offices.
Achakzai said he was willing to meet political leaders anywhere in Pakistan, including at their residences or even under a tree, but would not visit their government offices.
He reiterated his objections to the manner in which he believes the government was formed and alleged that the electoral mandate of millions of Pakistanis had been taken away.
The opposition alliance has agreed to engage in talks with the government while continuing with its announced October 4 long march, according to reports from Thursday’s consultations.
