Talks underway between government and opposition as PTI's Oct 4 march looms over Islamabad

Talks are underway between the PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition over the party’s proposed October 4 long march, with the protest now the new bone of contention between the party and the Centre.

The meeting between government and opposition representatives is being held to defuse the political crisis, with the PTI remaining resolute on going ahead with the march to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan. Federal ministers have warned the Centre would have “no other option” but to impose governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of the security situation in the province and the protest call. The opposition has warned of “dire consequences” if such a step is imposed.

Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) said in a post on X that negotiations with the government’s committee were underway, with the opposition led by the leader of the opposition in the Senate.

Expected from the coalition’s side are Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and PPP MNAs Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani. From the opposition, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Yousafzai, Senate opposition leader Abbas, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and Haleem Adil Sheikh are among those attending, according to Dawn.