Govt links inclusion of PTI's founder affairs in talks to cancellation of long march: Sources

ISLAMABAD: The government has finalized its strategy for holding talks with opposition leaders in the Senate and National Assembly (NA), adopting a firm stance that categorically excludes the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, from the agenda, ARY News reported.

According to government sources, opposition parties have been informed that matters concerning Imran Khan will only be discussed if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) postpones or cancels its announced long march.

Sources emphasized that negotiations cannot take place while the Federation faces the threat of an incursion.

The government has also refused to hold discussions regarding transferring Imran Khan to a private hospital on a permanent basis.

However, the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members will be key topics during an upcoming meeting between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the NA.

Sources added that broader political reforms may also be included on the table.

The government specifically communicated to the opposition that all dialogue will proceed strictly in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.

If the Opposition Leader chooses not to visit the PM House, the meeting will be held at Parliament House.

There is a high likelihood of a formal meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and NA Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai after the premier returns from his visit to the United States.