NA Speaker clarifies PTI not invited for talks, reiterates dialogue
At a glance
- NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq clarified he did not formally invite PTI for talks.
- Sadiq believes PTI's leadership is not permitted to negotiate.
- PM Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly invited PTI for dialogue.
Story so far
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has clarified his recent interactions with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members, denying that a formal invitation for negotiations was extended to the opposition party. Sadiq stated he has grown tired of repeatedly offering dialogue and has now stopped doing so, though he believes dialogue is the only way to resolve political issues. He explained that a recent meeting with PTI leader Aamir Dogar was limited to parliamentary business, specifically the agenda for the upcoming assembly session and a request for PTI members' names for an Independence Day ceremony, with "no negotiations discussed." Sadiq believes PTI's leadership might be constrained from engaging in talks and noted that a parliamentary committee previously formed for this purpose was boycotted by the PTI, which has not since requested its revival. He also mentioned that the opposition lawmakers whose suspensions had led to the formation of a parliamentary committee had not submitted any request for reinstatement. Sadiq remarked that if the opposition leader did not wish to meet in the Speaker’s chamber, they could instead meet in a committee room. In contrast, Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader and Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the opposition for negotiations, emphasizing an open agenda where all parties can present their stance. Chaudhry added that a meeting with the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could be discussed during these negotiations. PTI has reportedly expressed willingness to hold talks, but has set two conditions for such negotiations.
Latest development
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has clarified he did not formally invite PTI for negotiations, stating he is tired of offering dialogue. He believes PTI's leadership is not permitted to negotiate and offered a committee room for talks if the Speaker's chamber is an issue.
Latest updates
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has clarified that he had not extended a formal invitation to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for negotiations, stating he has grown tired of repeatedly offering dialogue. Speaking to parliamentary reporters, Sadiq mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had "repeatedly invited PTI for dialogue from the floor of Parliament."
Sadiq further stated his belief that PTI had nominated the Leader of the Opposition to engage in talks, but it appeared that even the opposition leader had not been permitted to negotiate, suggesting that PTI does not genuinely desire negotiations. He offered that if the opposition leader did not wish to meet in the Speaker’s chamber, they could instead meet in a committee room. Additionally, Sadiq noted that the opposition lawmakers whose suspensions had led to the formation of a parliamentary committee had not submitted any request for reinstatement.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reportedly expressed willingness to hold talks, but has set two conditions for such negotiations.
Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader and Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the opposition for negotiations. Chaudhry added that he had previously extended similar invitations alongside Rana Sanaullah. He emphasized that the Prime Minister desires negotiations in a positive environment to resolve all matters through mutual understanding. Chaudhry clarified that no points would be set before talks, allowing for an open agenda where all parties can present their stance and demands to the Prime Minister. He also mentioned that a meeting with the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could be discussed during these negotiations.
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