Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has stressed that the agenda of any meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the opposition leader matters far more than the location. He said the prime minister remains ready to sit with Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the national interest and to fulfil constitutional responsibilities.
Speaking to the media, Chaudhry rejected claims that the federal government wants political control over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He explained that the recent emergency measures were taken only to restore peace and support development in a province struggling with terrorism and limited resources.
The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan has suggested the Constitution Room in Parliament as a neutral venue for the possible talks. A spokesperson said the opposition wants negotiations free from ego or stubbornness. Achakzai had earlier declined to meet in the National Assembly speaker’s chamber and insisted on a neutral place.
Meanwhile the prime minister visited Peshawar and chaired a meeting of the federal apex committee to review the security situation in the province. It was his first visit since the proclamation of emergency and governor’s rule on October 11. He told the meeting that the steps were taken under extreme compulsion.
Chaudhry also responded to comments from PTI leader Salman Akram Raja. He said the opposition delegation during earlier talks lacked the authority to take final decisions. According to the minister, four drafts were prepared but the team repeatedly sought approval from the then chief minister and eventually withdrew from the fourth draft.
The minister added that arrangements for doctors’ access and meetings had already been clarified by the interior minister during those negotiations. He urged all political parties to join hands against terrorism and expressed confidence that peace and progress would return to the province.
Earlier talks between the government and opposition had collapsed in the first week of October after four rounds of discussion. The main issues were counterterrorism cooperation in KP and access to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. Although agreement was reached on most points, differences remained over the final draft.
Following the breakdown, the president proclaimed emergency and governor’s rule. Parliament later endorsed the measures. The government maintains the steps were necessary to improve security, while the opposition argues they undermine the elected provincial setup.
Chaudhry’s latest remarks show the government still wants dialogue. The focus, he insists, should stay on the substance of the talks rather than the venue.
