ISLAMABAD: The federal government has renewed its offer of political dialogue, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif willing to meet National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai as both sides remain divided over the proposed venue.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the prime minister was prepared to meet Achakzai to discuss matters of national interest.
The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has proposed holding the initial meeting in Parliament’s Constitution Room rather than the Prime Minister’s Office.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain said Achakzai had invited the prime minister to his parliamentary chamber and was willing to consider other locations, including the residences of government representatives.
The opposition also indicated it could visit the Prime Minister’s Office after an initial meeting elsewhere.
The government’s earlier position was that discussions should take place at the Prime Minister’s Office. Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah argued that the building was a state institution rather than anyone’s personal property.
The renewed exchange follows the collapse of previous negotiations between the government and opposition.
Those talks took place against a deteriorating political and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the federal government imposed governor’s rule and emergency measures on October 11.
The government has linked its call for dialogue to counterterrorism and national security. Opposition representatives have also raised questions about provincial autonomy and their participation in the political process.
No meeting date or agreed venue has been announced.