Pakistan’s government has reiterated its openness to dialogue with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party but emphasized it will not concede to demands made under political pressure or attempts to destabilize the state. Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, made the remarks during a press briefing in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Sanaullah stressed that negotiations should not be used to “hold the state hostage,” underscoring the government’s willingness to engage in talks within a framework of mutual respect and stability. He referenced Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s appeal the previous day for the PTI leadership to call off planned protests and enter into constructive dialogue.

Despite the government’s stated openness, Sanaullah was clear that negotiations would not become a mechanism for coercing political concessions. His comments follow the breakdown of a second round of talks between the ruling coalition and opposition representatives, which took place at the Parliament House over the weekend.

The discussions, beginning Saturday afternoon and stretching into early Sunday, centered on various issues, with particular focus on the PTI's proposed march toward Islamabad scheduled for October 4. The march has been a point of contention, with the government viewing it as a challenge to law and order.

After the talks collapsed, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of undermining the negotiation process. Naqvi alleged that Afridi altered a draft agreement after terms had been agreed upon, thereby “sabotaging” efforts to reach a consensus.

The break in talks has heightened concerns over political stability at a time when Pakistan faces ongoing economic and security challenges. The ruling coalition’s stance suggests it prioritizes maintaining state authority and order, while the opposition seeks space for political expression and negotiation.

As of now, both sides remain at an impasse, and it remains unclear whether future rounds of dialogue can bridge the divide or if political tensions will continue to escalate ahead of the October 4 event.