ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasised on Friday that meaningful dialogue remains the only viable path toward resolving the country’s political challenges.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a high-level opposition delegation at his office.
The delegation comprised Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Senator Faisal Javed, former Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Iqbal Afridi, Atif Khan, Dr Amjad Ali Khan, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa, and Muhammad Jamal Ahsan Khan. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides underscoring the need to reduce tensions and improve political communication.
Welcoming the delegation, Speaker Sadiq highlighted the importance of upholding respect and fraternity within Parliament, irrespective of political affiliations. “The relationship of mutual respect among parliamentarians must transcend political differences,” he remarked. “I have been in contact with many of you since 2014. Politics is not permanent, but our relationships should endure throughout life.”
Reaffirming his consistent advocacy for dialogue, the Speaker added, “I always believe that all issues can be resolved through meaningful engagement. Dialogue is the only sustainable way forward.”
During the discussion, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan raised concerns regarding the restrictions on family members of the PTI founder, stating that they should be allowed to meet him.
The PTI delegation reiterated its long-standing concerns, noting that the broader dialogue process between the government and PTI has repeatedly stalled over key matters, including judicial investigations into the May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, protests, as well as the release of detained PTI workers.
Despite the political strains, the opposition members appreciated the Speaker’s role in fostering constructive engagement between the government and the opposition. They acknowledged his efforts to encourage dialogue, strengthen parliamentary norms, and reduce political polarisation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025