Ayaz Sadiq offers to facilitate talks between govt and PTI

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq once again offered to facilitate talks between the government and the opposition. Dialogue alone could establish a solution to political issues, he told visiting parliamentarians on Friday.

In his comments, Sadiq emphasized that mutual respect and relationships should be stronger than politics. Sadiq met the opposition members of both houses of Parliament shortly after the NA session was adjourned without a quorum. The opposition delegation comprised Senators Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Faisal Javed, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, along with several MNAs.

The Speaker underscored that politics ultimately comes to an end, but personal and professional ties must prevail throughout life.

The speaker reiterated that he has always advocated dialogue as a tool to iron out differences. He said parliamentarians should nurture long-term relationships beyond political rivalries. Opposition members welcomed Sadiq’s efforts to spur talks and ease political tensions.

The PTI also raised concerns over Imran Khan’s family, saying the incarcerated leader is not allowed to meet them. The dialogue process between the government and PTI has frequently faced a deadlock over the core issues, including judicial probes into the May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, protests, and the release of PTI prisoners.

PTI has been questioning the credibility of this government to initiate dialogue since last year, despite repeated overtures from Sadiq and ministers. The speaker said he was ready to help facilitate dialogue while the political standoff continues but urged cooperation and mutual respect as a way to keep things stable inside the Parliament.