ISLAMABAD, Talks between Pakistan’s government and the opposition have ended without an agreement, clearing the way for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to proceed with its planned long march toward Islamabad.
The negotiations continued into the early hours of Sunday. However, the two sides failed to agree on a draft and did not set a date for another round of talks.
Both sides blamed each other for the failure.
Government Says Counterterrorism Cooperation Was Key Issue
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the PTI march would not be allowed to enter Islamabad.
He said the talks failed because the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government did not agree to provide assurances on cooperation with security forces in counterterrorism operations.
Sanaullah said such cooperation was a constitutional and legal responsibility. He also said the government had amended the proposed draft several times in an effort to reach an agreement.
The government has also cited the recent increase in militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a reason for asking the PTI to postpone its march.
PTI Says Access to Imran Khan Remained a Major Dispute
The opposition presented a different account of the deadlock.
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PTI leaders said access to jailed party founder Imran Khan remained a central issue in the negotiations. They also objected to what they described as unilateral counterterrorism measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the opposition wanted counterterrorism actions in the province to be based on consultation and agreement between the federal and provincial governments, as well as political parties represented in the provincial assembly.
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also said the talks remained deadlocked over the issue of meeting Imran Khan and access to his personal doctor.
PTI Starts Long March Toward Islamabad
Following the collapse of the talks, PTI supporters began their march toward Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading the march from Lakki Marwat. The protesters are demanding the release of Imran Khan, who has remained in prison since 2023.
Authorities have placed roadblocks around Islamabad ahead of the expected arrival of the protesters.
The government has warned that the march will not be allowed to enter the federal capital. At the same time, PTI leaders have vowed to continue the protest.
The political standoff comes as Pakistan faces increased militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Previous PTI protests have also resulted in clashes and casualties, raising concerns about a possible escalation.
