ISLAMABAD: The government and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Friday resumed talks aimed at resolving the issue of alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections.

Speaking to the media after the talks, PTI’s Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that two side had made progress in their meeting.

"The talks have continued from where they last ended," he said.

Qureshi stated that only an independent election commission could ensure that free and fair elections are held in the country.

He said that talks also dealt with the formation a judicial commission to investigate alleged rigging in last years polls.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who led the govt's negotiating team, expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved between the two sides within the coming week.

"The dispute with the PTI is very close to being resolved," Dar said.

The PTI team also included Jahangir Tareen and Asad Umar. The meeting between the two sides was held at the residence of Jahangir Tareen.

This was the third round of talks between the two sides and had been scheduled for Tuesday, but was cancelled due to the terrorist attack in Peshawar.