In a major development, it is being reported that the incumbent PML-N-led government held backdoor talks with its political rival PTI.
According to the details in the media, representatives of the coalition government and PTI held talks to resolve political disputes. It has also been reported that matters pertaining to early elections, the charter of the economy, and other issues came under discussion during the talks.
Read more: PML-N, PPP leaders join PTI
Moreover, representatives from the PTI side have allegedly urged the government to hold early elections even if it is in March or April next year. Meanwhile, the coalition government insists on completing its term. The two sides are expected to meet again in the coming days.
A first time direct meeting between coalition government and PTI. 2 members from each side met to resolve political disputes. https://t.co/ADBcJ7UCFw pic.twitter.com/TJR0Dhn0Hy
— Kasim_Abbasi (@KasimAbbasi4) October 22, 2022
Willing to talk to PTI: Shehbaz Sharif
PTI leadership has not publicly confirmed the development yet. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has earlier expressed his willingness to hold talks with PTI for the sake of national interest.
Addressing the launch ceremony of “Youth Development Initiatives” in Islamabad, the prime minister said: “You didn’t shake [my] hand for four years and now you’re saying to ‘come to talk with us’? Till when will this two-facedness continue? But, we will be ready for it for the sake of national interest.”
Declining to give any details, the prime minister said he was ready to give “any sacrifice” for keeping the national interest as the primary concern.
Since his ouster, former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan has at various points expressed willingness to hold a dialogue with the incumbent government if it was ready to hold fresh elections.
Read more: PML-N offering PTI leaders up to 50 crores to change loyalties: Murad Raas
Moreover, it has already been reported in the media that President Arif Alvi was making backchannel efforts to defuse the current political tension.
On the other hand, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Sunday said the government would not accept any pre-condition for going into talks with the PTI.