Second round of Govt-PTI talks today amid threats of emergency or Governor's Rule in KP

ISLAMABAD: A second round of talks between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will be held today, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Sources stated that the government has categorically refused to make any assurances to the PTI unless the long march is canceled unconditionally, making it clear that it will not bow to any dictation.

According to sources, the government has demanded that the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) take action against terrorists instead of facilitating them.

If the PTI maintains its decision regarding the long march, the talks will end today.

The government has indicated that, if necessary, the state will resort to imposing an emergency or Governor’s Rule in the province.

The federal government and state institutions share a candid and firm viewpoint regarding terrorism in KP.

The government delegation will not back down even an inch from the targets set by the President and the Prime Minister.

The opposition will respond to the government today.

Yesterday, government and PTI talks turned heated as Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Raja Nasir Abbas exchanged harsh remarks.

According to sources, Raja Nasir Abbas criticised the non-implementation of court decisions during the talks. Rana Sanaullah responded that the courts were doing their work and said court decisions related to the long march would be implemented.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq urged both sides to show restraint.

The government team made it clear that it would not allow any attempt to march on Islamabad, sources said.

The government also told PTI that protests and unrest would not lead to any concessions. Sources said the government made it clear that anyone seeking concessions would have to engage in talks and demonstrate seriousness.

According to sources, the government warned that if PTI continued with its stubborn stance, Articles 232 and 234 could be invoked.

The PTI delegation will consult its political committee following the talks, sources said. The delegation will also hold discussions with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

The first round of talks between the government, Pakistan Peoples Party and opposition concluded with a discussion on the political situation. The participants briefed each other on their respective positions.

The talks also included detailed discussions on various matters, with the participants urged to show restraint. The second round of talks will be held tomorrow at 2pm in the Speaker’s chamber.