ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to hold talks with political parties and a farmers’ alliance that have announced long marches and protests over fuel prices and other issues, sources said on Tuesday.
A government team will resume talks with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) today. The party has announced a long march on September 20 against the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) and rising fuel prices.
The government has also initiated back-channel contacts with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has announced a protest in Islamabad on September 27.
Sources said the government was communicating with PTI leadership through party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
Meanwhile, the Kissan Ittehad has announced a long march to Islamabad on September 25. The government has directed the Punjab government to engage the farmers’ alliance and hold talks with its leadership, sources added.
The government is also considering allowing the protesting parties and farmers to hold demonstrations at designated venues.
Sources said the government would take all necessary measures to maintain law and order if talks failed.
