Islamabad: Hours of negotiations between the government and opposition ended in deadlock early on Sunday, leaving unresolved disputes over access to Imran Khan and counterterrorism cooperation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as PTI prepared to begin its march.
The second round, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House, began after 4pm on Saturday and continued until shortly before 3am. Participants offered differing accounts of why an agreement could not be reached.
Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas said the sticking points included meetings between Khan and his personal physicians, alongside how to address terrorism in KP.
PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the opposition had sought meetings with Khan and Bushra Bibi. He acknowledged disagreements on terrorism related issues and confirmed that neither another negotiating session nor its date had been agreed.
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry blamed the breakdown primarily on the KP government, alleging that it had failed to assure future cooperation against terrorism and did not want to implement the National Action Plan. He maintained that other matters had been settled.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said all points were discussed, but alleged that the draft agreement was changed four times after agreement had been reached.
Gohar confirmed the march would proceed and rejected governor’s rule or an emergency as a response to the protest. Asked about the government’s next steps, Chaudhry said the Constitution provided several options.
The military’s Corps Commanders’ Conference said on Friday that any attempt to cause agitation or create a repeat of the May 9 events would be met with “decisive force” and action under the law, according to the military’s media wing, ISPR.
The federal government had approved the deployment of 3000 Rangers personnel in Islamabad and several Punjab districts from September 20 to October 5, while the Islamabad administration has requested an extension until October 15, which has yet to be approved. Containers have also been placed on highways leading to the capital, delaying cargo travelling from Karachi.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced a phased journey beginning at Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1 pm on Sunday. Supporters from six southern districts will join the opening procession.
The convoy will stay near Karak overnight, move towards Kohat on Monday and depart for Peshawar on Tuesday after supporters from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai join it.
Further stages will take protesters through Peshawar and Charsadda before a gathering at Khairabad on 8 October. Afridi said the next phase would be announced there, leaving the timing of arrival in Islamabad unspecified.
The deadlock followed Friday’s first formal government PTI talks in almost three years. Sources told that PTI sought Khan’s transfer to hospital for treatment, while the government wanted the march cancelled.
