Key Takeaways
- Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) seeks Parliament House as venue for dialogue.
- PTI-led opposition willing to meet with prime minister but not at PM’s Office or National Assembly chambers.
- Opposition plans nationwide demonstrations on Imran Khan's arrest anniversary.
An opposition leader has confirmed that his alliance is ready to hold talks with the government, provided a neutral venue is agreed upon. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, chief of the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), which is allied with the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), stated during an interview with DawnNewsTV that they have sought to hold the meeting in Parliament House.
Abbas maintained that while his group is willing to sit with Prime Minister and any other government representatives, they do not want to attend meetings held at the PM’s Office or the National Assembly speaker's chambers. He emphasized their readiness to negotiate in the Constitution Room of Parliament House, adding that they are awaiting the government’s response to this counter-offer.
The opposition leader highlighted concerns about potential harm if negotiations fail and a 'collision course' is pursued, stating, “We believe that if we go for a collision course, God forbid, some serious harm could befall the country.”
In addition to seeking a neutral venue, Abbas announced plans to hold nationwide demonstrations on the anniversary of PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest. He placed the responsibility for mobilizing street power with KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and credited Imran's sisters for keeping his continued detention in public view.
Abbas recalled the recent raid to nab former Venezuelan ruler Nicholas Maduro, noting that his case had been all but forgotten until his sisters brought it back into the spotlight. He praised them for repeatedly calling attention to his incarceration, despite criticism from within the party.
The opposition leader also addressed recent statements by government ministers about extending an offer for talks. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was mentioned as one of those who have made such statements, but Abbas clarified that while they are willing to sit with any minister, they do not want to attend meetings held at the PM’s Office or National Assembly chambers.
The opposition's stance is clear: they seek a neutral ground for dialogue and are prepared to engage in negotiations. However, their conditions must be met before any talks can proceed. The government has yet to respond to this counter-offer from MWM.
We believe that if we go for a collision course, God forbid, some serious harm could befall the country.
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Chief of Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM)
We are ready to sit with the prime minister and any other government representatives in the Constitution Room of Parliament House, adding that they were awaiting the government’s response to their counter-offer.
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Chief of Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM)
