Govt hopeful of meaningful talks with Maulana: Khattak.

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak Saturday expressed his optimism that the government's reconciliation committee would have meaningful negotiations with Jamait Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The defence minister said the government had already constituted a reconciliation committee comprising senior politicians from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and allied parties to hold negotiations with the JUI-F for peaceful resolution of their demands.

The government was in constant contact with the JUI-F and other opposition leaders to avert the march and was receiving positive response in that regard, he said while addressing a press conference.

Flanked by Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood, he said the inclusion of senior politicians in the committee from PTI and other parties showed the government's seriousness towards holding talks with Maulana.

To a query, Pervaiz said they were also considering the addition of Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan in the committee.

He said the government had unveiled all its cards for negotiation process and was expecting Maulana to join the talks to strengthen democratic process in the country.

Khattak said the PTI had held sit-in at the federal capital due to high inflation and corruption at that time.

The minister said the peaceful protest was constitutional right of every political party and urged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to...