The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson has clarified that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had not formally invited Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposition leader Omer Ayub for talks, following Ayub’s rejection of an alleged invitation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson emphasized that the speaker had only stated that his "doors are open to everyone," which should not be misconstrued as a formal invitation for dialogue.
"A formal invitation for talks will only be extended when either the government or the opposition formally requests it," the spokesperson added, reaffirming the NA speaker’s neutral stance on parliamentary proceedings.
The statement further reiterated that the National Assembly, as a democratic institution, remains open to all its members, and Ayaz Sadiq has made his position clear regarding the role of the assembly in facilitating discussions.
"The doors of the National Assembly chamber and house are open to any member who wishes to engage in parliamentary discourse," the spokesperson concluded.
Also Read: PTI rejects govt's latest invitation for talks, says chapter closed
Earlier on Saturday, the PTI had refused to engage in political talks with the government, rejecting the latest invitation from the National Assembly speaker.
Speaking exclusively to Samaa TV, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omer Ayub Khan declared that the “chapter of talks is now closed”. He emphasized that political negotiations are not based on mere wishes but require firm commitments, which, according to him, the government failed to demonstrate.
Omer Ayub criticised the government's approach, stating that while the PTI had initiated discussions in good faith, the ruling authorities neither displayed goodwill nor ill intent -- leading to a deadlock.
“We started the negotiations seriously, but the government did not accept our demands. Since they were not willing to proceed with sincerity, we see no point in continuing talks,” he said.
