Deadlock persists but negotiators optimistic

The second round of talks of government-nominated team with PTI and PAT negotiators failed to break deadlock. Sources told Business Recorder that negotiators headed by PPP trouble-shooter Senator Rehman Malik had to return empty handed as some fiery speeches by pro-government MPs in parliament had adversely impacted the atmosphere. The government along with its allies had questioned the democratic credentials of PAT in a joint parliament session on Wednesday.
They said the government team was plainly told by the enraged parties to show restrain if it was really keen to resolve the issue through talks. The sources privy to the development said the PAT negotiators made it clear to the negotiating team on behalf of the government that on the one hand PML-N claims that it has been making desperate efforts to find a political solution to crisis while on the other hand it is not ready to accept it as a political entity.
However, the meeting between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and government remained inconclusive as no positive progress was made to resolve the ongoing anti-Nawaz Sharif sit-ins. PTI's committee headed by Shah Mehmmod Qureshi and PAT's committee led Rahiq Abbasi held separate meetings with government team in presence of a political jirga comprising of JI chief Siraj ul Haq, Rehman Malik and others.
Asad Umer, a member of PTI negotiating team, told reporters after their meeting with government committee that a positive development is expected as the meeting will take place on Thursday again with a renewed vigour. Ahsan Iqbal of PML-N said that speculations that talks made no progress can further damage the ongoing reconciliation process, adding there has been some progress as both sides are sincerity making efforts towards ending the stalemate.
Qureshi told media that PTI is ready to move forward in a positive direction. He said PTI has presented its stance before the political jirga and things are moving in a positive direction. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Siraj ul Haq said anytime, it seems there will be a positive outcome of talks soon. "We are hopeful that we will overcome the crisis," he said.
The JI Ameer also advised government ministers to refrain from making provocative speeches and arresting political workers. Rehman Malik said that Prime Minister Sharif should stop his ministers from making harsh statements. He noted that PTI leaders did not make any provocative statement. He praised Imran Khan for breaking the political deadlock.