Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Talal Chaudhry claimed that the two sides had agreed on the basic framework of an agreement on the very first day of talks, including a consensus on a national narrative against terrorism.
He said opposition representatives had initially assured the government of their full agreement after consulting the KP chief minister and their leadership in Peshawar.
According to Talal Chaudhry, the first draft also included political issues concerning PTI founder Imran Khan’s health, meetings with him and cases against party leaders.
He alleged that negotiations broke down at the final stage when new conditions were introduced on the instructions of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Talal Chaudhry said the government had expected the talks to lead to a major political breakthrough, particularly because both sides had reached an understanding on the fight against terrorism.
He maintained that the government would not compromise on national security or the National Action Plan, saying effective action against terrorists was necessary to protect security forces.
Commenting on the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and protest marches, the minister said it was unacceptable if political activity in the province was safe for only one party while other citizens remained fearful.
He also alleged that security forces were facing attacks from across the border and said action against terrorists was necessary to protect them.
Talal Chaudhry warned that the government had completed political, constitutional and other measures to deal with the latest protest march and claimed that no such march would be allowed in the future.
