Opposition Talks Set for 12pm on October 2

Pakistan’s opposition alliance has agreed to a government invitation for talks, with representatives from both sides scheduled to meet at noon on October 2 at the office of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, according to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.

The decision followed an opposition alliance meeting at Parliament House in Islamabad, where leaders discussed the proposed long march, recent government actions, arrests of lawmakers and the possibility of emergency measures or governor’s rule.

Barrister Gohar said the opposition had accepted the proposed meeting after considering the decision taken during its internal consultation. The planned engagement comes amid continuing political disagreements between the government and opposition parties.

🤝 Opposition Talks Scheduled for Friday

In a post on X after the meeting, Barrister Gohar said the opposition had received a message from the government proposing a meeting the following day. He said the alliance had accepted the invitation in line with the decision reached during its meeting.

According to his announcement, the government and opposition delegations are due to meet at 12pm on October 2 in the office of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for representatives of both sides to discuss their concerns. The supplied report does not specify the complete agenda or identify all members who will attend on behalf of the government.

The agreement to meet follows the opposition alliance’s discussions about its political strategy and its response to recent government measures. Barrister Gohar said the opposition remained willing to engage in dialogue.

🏛️ Long March and Political Situation Discussed

The opposition alliance held an important meeting at Parliament House before announcing its decision on talks. Participants included Barrister Gohar, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, among other leaders.

According to Barrister Gohar, the meeting focused on preparations and strategy concerning the proposed long march. Participants also discussed government actions and possible responses from the opposition.

He said the alliance had considered reports concerning the possible imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency. He also criticised the reported arrests of members of parliament and provincial assemblies, as well as the treatment of family members of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

Barrister Gohar said the opposition had raised its concerns with relevant government representatives but believed that its demands had not been addressed. He referred to matters taken to the Supreme Court and said the orders in question had not been implemented, according to his account.

These statements reflect the opposition leader’s position as presented after the meeting.

🗣️ Gohar Says Opposition Remains Open to Dialogue

Speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar said the opposition had continued to support the state and Pakistan but believed its concerns had not received an adequate response.

He said the alliance was still prepared to negotiate if the government established contact. His subsequent announcement confirmed that the proposed meeting had been accepted.

Barrister Gohar also addressed concerns about possible emergency measures and governor’s rule. He argued that provincial autonomy was important for a strong federation and warned that decisions taken against public wishes could weaken relations between the federation and its constituent provinces.

The opposition has maintained that political issues should be addressed through engagement. The scheduled meeting will bring government and opposition representatives together at the Speaker’s office, although its eventual outcome remains to be seen.

📍 Achakzai Sets Conditions on Meeting Venue

Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the opposition leader in the National Assembly, said he would respond to a letter received from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He made clear that he would not attend a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office or Prime Minister House. He said he would prefer to meet at another location and suggested that the prime minister could come to an alternative venue.

His remarks indicated that the location of a meeting was an important consideration for him. The separately announced October 2 meeting, however, is scheduled to take place at the office of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The report does not provide further details about whether Achakzai’s concerns over the venue have been resolved or what arrangements will apply to any subsequent meetings.

🕊️ Raja Nasir Abbas Calls for Peaceful Political Engagement

Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also spoke after the alliance meeting. He said political problems could not be resolved through the use of force and called for a political approach to the country’s challenges.

He referred to security concerns, economic difficulties and problems involving state institutions. He also supported peaceful protest and said the opposition was willing to discuss matters including fair elections and the country’s political future.

Raja Nasir Abbas said the opposition intended to keep its protest peaceful. He also urged political stakeholders to move towards dialogue and focus on Pakistan’s interests.

His comments came as the alliance considered its long march plans alongside the government’s invitation for negotiations.

📅 What to Watch in the October 2 Meeting

The main immediate development is the planned meeting between government and opposition delegations at noon on October 2 at the Speaker’s office.

The discussions will take place against a backdrop of disagreement over arrests, political restrictions, possible emergency measures and the opposition’s proposed long march. The supplied report does not confirm whether the meeting will produce an agreement or lead to further negotiations.

The acceptance of the invitation establishes a scheduled opportunity for direct engagement between the two sides. Any progress will depend on the issues raised, the positions taken by the delegations and whether both sides agree on subsequent steps.

Further details about the meeting’s agenda, participants and outcome will be needed to determine whether the talks lead to any concrete decisions.