Speaking at a joint press conference of federal ministers at Pakistan Television (PTV) headquarters in Islamabad, Naqvi said he had personally remained involved in backchannel contacts.
He claimed that the government had been implementing PTI’s demands even before the party announced its long march, adding that even some members of the party were unaware of the reasons behind the decision to launch it.
According to the interior minister, negotiations with the PTI continued for two days. During the talks, Asad Qaiser had said the party would not take even a single step back in the fight against terrorism, Naqvi said.
He added that he remained in contact with PTI leaders until 11:45pm on Saturday night. The government made five to six changes to the draft agreement during the negotiations, but another draft subsequently emerged, he said.
Naqvi said the government had waited throughout Sunday for the PTI’s response to proposed changes in paragraph four of the draft agreement but received no reply. He said he called the party again and told its leaders that it was their final opportunity to resolve the differences.
The interior minister said the federal government had repeatedly attempted to coordinate joint measures against terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said President Asif Ali Zardari had exercised his powers under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution to impose an emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
Naqvi said the federal government would explain the reasons behind the extraordinary constitutional measures taken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
