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'Solution lies in seriousness': Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tells opposition offer for talks still on table
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ Pakistan /Elections & Politics

'Solution lies in seriousness': Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tells opposition offer for talks still on table

From Dawn · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Pakistan's Minister for Parliamentary Affairs urged the opposition to demonstrate seriousness in ongoing talks.
  • The government's offer for dialogue remains open, with discussions focusing on the chief election commissioner appointment and the political situation.
  • Previous attempts at dialogue have faced hurdles, including opposition demands for improved meeting conditions and access to Imran Khan.

The Pakistani government has reiterated its offer for dialogue with the opposition, urging them to approach negotiations with seriousness. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the solution to political problems lies in earnest discussions and called on the opposition to agree on a time and venue.

The solution lies in seriousness.

โ€” Dr Tariq Fazal ChaudhryMinister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry addressing the Senate and urging the opposition to engage in serious talks.

Senator Abdul Qadir echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that political issues are best resolved through political means. He encouraged both the government and opposition to convene and establish terms of reference for their talks. The call for dialogue comes as the government and opposition leaders met to discuss the appointment of the chief election commissioner, the country's political climate, and other mutual concerns.

political problems could only be resolved through political means.

โ€” Senator Abdul QadirSenator Abdul Qadir calling for dialogue during Senate proceedings.

This latest outreach follows previous attempts at reconciliation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an offer for talks in December 2025, stipulating that dialogue should focus on "legitimate matters." While the PTI initially rejected the offer, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), which includes the PTI, expressed openness to negotiation. However, dialogue has been complicated by opposition demands, including a "neutral venue" and, more recently, improved meeting facilities and access to medical care for the PTI's founding chairman, Imran Khan.

On one hand you are not serious about talks, and on the other, you want to derail the system.

โ€” Dr Tariq Fazal ChaudhryMinister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry criticizing the opposition's approach to negotiations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.