Pakistan Government and Opposition Begin Talks to Ease Political Tensions

The Pakistani government and opposition parties commenced talks on Monday to address ongoing political tensions that have persisted since 2022, Anadolu Agency reported.

The initial meeting took place in Islamabad between representatives of the ruling coalition and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The discussions follow a recent PTI protest demanding Khan’s release, which resulted in casualties among both protesters and security forces. The National Assembly’s speaker is facilitating the negotiations, focusing on the release of Khan and PTI supporters, as well as a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots and November 24 protests.

Ruling party Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed optimism about the talks, stating the government enters with “positive expectations.” Political unrest has escalated since Khan’s ousting via a no-confidence vote in April 2022, a move he claims was influenced by the U.S., a charge the U.S. denies.