Pakistan ‘set to reopen opposition talks’

The Pakistani government says it is trying to re-open negotiations with opposition groups following the death of two anti-government protesters in fierce clashes with security forces in the capital.

On Sunday, Information Minister Pervez Rashid says Islamabad remained open to restart talks with the opposition to end the recent crisis peacefully.

The remarks came after two people were killed and more than 400 others injured after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters outside the parliament building and the official residence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“The government did not initiate the clashes. They turned violent and tried to enter sensitive government buildings, which are the symbol of the state. They wanted their demands to be met at gunpoint but still, our doors are open for talks,” Rashid also said.

Clashes erupted on Saturday, with witnesses saying that scores of demonstrators carrying hammers and iron rods broke down a fence outside the parliament building and entered the parking area and the lawns.

Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan, who heads the Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, and cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri, the head of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), have been leading daily protest rallies in the capital Islamabad since August 14.

The two opposition figures have pledged to remain peaceful and called on Pakistani security forces not to use force against the demonstrators. They have also called for the resignation of the country’s premier over alleged fraud in last year’s general election.

Also on Saturday, Khan told his supporters that he will continue fighting until “a real independence for Pakistan” is secured.

“Sharif brothers have a lust for power. They are not sincere with the people or the country. We will get their resignations and put them in jails,” he also said.

SAB/HMV