Dunya News reported that The government committee formed to negotiate with JUI-F over Azadi March has made its first official contact.

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjarani called JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri to discuss Azadi March.

As per details, both leaders decided to meet on Sunday at Haidri’s residence.

JUI-F’s Haidri has confirmed the contact, adding that the doors of talks were never closed. He said final decision in this regard would be taken by Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

He further said the responsibility of talks can be given to opposition’s rehbar committee.

Responding to opposition’s repeated demand for Prime Minister Imran Khan to step down, Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak on Saturday clarified that the premier’s resignation is out of question.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister once again extended offer of dialogue to the opposition parties, adding that they should not make any hue and cry afterwards.

Earlier, Pervaiz Khattak said all opposition parties would be consulted on Azadi March of JUI-F. He hoped that the issues would be resolved through dialogue and government’s writ would be implemented.

Khattak, who is the head of committee formed to hold dialogue with JUI-F over Azadi March, said PTI during its sit in never closed dialogue, adding that we are democratic people and would solve issues through talks.

Imam hussain’s Chehlum is being observed today (Sunday) with religious zeal, fervour and solemnity across Pakistan.

Mourning processions are scheduled to be taken out in various major cities with the participation of thousands of mourners. Mobile services will also be suspended along the routes of processions taken out in various cities, owing to security concerns.

Traffic police have been directed to make alternative route plan for the public to ensure smooth flow of traffic on roads of the cities during processions.All the small roads and lanes leading to the routes of Chehlum processions will be blocked to stop unwanted entry. Walkthrough gates have been installed at several entry points of the Chehlum processions and the monitoring of the procession would be done through CCTV cameras.

Strict security measures are made to prevent any untoward incident as police, rangers and gents scouts are deployed along the routes of the processions. Sabeels (stalls for refreshment drinks) will be set up as per years old tradition. Officials of Rescue 1122 and health department would remain alert during the course of processions.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has, on Saturday, said that every citizen holds right to stage protest but the constitution does not allow any stick-wielding militia.

He further stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s step to form a committee to hold talks with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) should be taken positively as negotiations cannot be ruled out of politics.

“PM Imran wants peace in the region that is why he visited Iran and Saudi Arabia to mediate talks between both countries. Stability in the region is inevitable for the economic growth.

“There is no chance of martial law in Pakistan as the democracy will flourish in the country.

“India badly failed in pushing Pakistan into the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) black list owing to Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts. India’s foreign minister appealed all countries to oppose Pakistan.”

“Pakistanis understand the situation of Kashmir and will not become a part of anarchy.”

“Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will form government in Sindh in next elections, and by-election in Larkana has shown a glimpse of that.”