Pakistan government rejects neutral venue for talks with opposition

The federal government has dismissed a request from Mahmood Achakzai for a neutral location to hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Officials insisted that all discussions must occur at the Prime Minister's Office.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated, "Prime Minister House is not anyone's personal property; it belongs to the state." During a joint session on 15 October, Shehbaz Sharif invited the opposition to restart talks.

The premier voiced concern regarding the one-year delay in appointing the members of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the chief election commissioner. Shehbaz had previously sent two letters to the opposition leader concerning these specific appointments.

The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan announced it is ending negotiations with the central government over what it termed "unconstitutional measures". Treasury benches secured a majority vote to impose an emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sanaullah said the prime minister has to meet the opposition leader at the PM Office. Sanaullah also affirmed that the government would remain fully committed to the counterterrorism campaign.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated that the federal government has not prevented Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf from organizing a long march. Chaudhry said, "You can hold a long march or a short march; we have no problem with that, but discuss terrorism."

The minister added that every form of terrorism should be condemned, noting that no PTI leader or gathering had ever been targeted by a terrorist attack. Chaudhry claimed the banned TTP released a statement opposing governor's rule while expressing support for PTI.

He explained that the purpose of the governor's rule was to remove terrorism from the province.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated, "Prime Minister House is not anyone's personal property; it belongs to the state."

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah