Ruling coalition sans two open for 'unconditional talks' with PTI
Pakistan
JUI-F, JWP vote against holding dialogue with PTI
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The 13-party ruling alliance, with the exception of two parties, on Tuesday weighed in for holding unconditional talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a day after the PML-N and the PPP had vowed to hold talks on “elections in one go”.
A meeting of the coalition partners, convened at Prime Minister’s (PM) House, deliberated on the country’s ongoing political situation, mulled JI chief Sirajul Haq's proposal for holding political dialogue with the PTI and discussed PPP’s negotiations with political parties.
The allies reckoned that a gateway for dialogue was always open in politics adding that no conditions should be imposed to move forward. “We are ready to hold selfless and meaningful talks with political opponents,” it added.
The PDM said those busy spreading hate were not serious about holding negotiations adding that the ruling alliance countered challenges it had faced during its one-year tenure. “We shall not leave the nation alone,” it added.
Read Also: Negotiations to be held under framework of elections: Fawad Chaudhry
The coalition also reviewed prospects of opening backdoor channels for dialogue with the PTI.
JUI-F, JWP keep away from dialogue
The Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), a partner the PDM chief Molana Fazlur Rehman belongs to, rejected the proposal to hold talks with the PTI as it reckoned that the PTI was not a political force. On the other hand, JWP chief Shahzain Bugti also kept away from holding dialogue saying that PTI chairman Imran Khan was “untrustworthy”.
Minister for External Affairs Bilawal Bhutto said it was not only against the PPP’s principles but also against the spirit of democracy. “It is the time for steering the country out of crisis through dialogue,” he added. Other parties also agreed to the PPP.
However, the coalition would decide on holding dialogue with the PTI after all partners had voted in for it.
PPP's negotiations with the MQM-P
On the other hand, a PPP delegation, headed by former PM Yusuf Raza Gillani, met with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leaders to deliberate on the uncertain political situation.
Mr Gillani said the political parties would have to find a way out of this political quagmire highlighting the parliament and the judiciary were involved in tussle, which might increase the challenges for the country. "Political parties never closed the door of reconciliation as it would lead to political stability, and economic prosperity would only be possible if there was certainty in the country," he added.
Mr Gillani highlighted that all institutions needed to function within their constitutional limits as it would reduce tussle. He added the consultation of the PPP with allied parties would complete today (Tuesday) to achieve political stability.
MQM-P leader said the people expected the solution of their problems from their elected representatives and dialogue was required in this regard.
FM Bilawal Bhutto calls on PM Shehbaz
Separately, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on PM Shehbaz to discuss political situation of the country. Mr Zardari also apprised him of the affairs of the foreign ministry.
— PMLN (@pmln_org) April 18, 2023
PM Shehbaz boasts coalition partners' 'unity despite challenges'
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said the PML-N led coalition government steered through challenges and all partners had added their share to keep the boat sailing.
He said there had been a general impression that the alliance would not work adding that opponents used to mock that it was short-lived. “The allied partners survived crises and challenges together,” he added.
“There exists a difference of opinion and respecting it is the hallmark of democracy”, he said.
The PM went on to say that he was nothing alone adding that the PML-N was united with the partners. “There’s no example in the world that a law is stricken down by a three-member [SC] bench even before it is enacted,” he added.
He said the bar councils were not favouring the PDM but talking about the implementation of the constitution. “The allied government cooperated to its fullest in this regard,” he added.
Kamran Murtaza and federal law minister Azam Nazir Tarar assisted, he said, adding that opponents were troubled at the fact that the coalition managed to survive. “It is worthy of utmost praise,” he added. He said the IMF agreement was about to be inked and finance minister Ishaq Dar worked day and night for this.
Negotiations under framework of elections: Fawad Chaudhry
PTI senior vice president Fawad Chaudhry said that negotiations with the political opponents would be held under the framework of elections.
Speaking exclusively to Dunya News, he said it was a defeat for every citizen of the country that the elections were not taking place. "The government has to implement the Supreme Court’s order of holding of Punjab Assembly elections, and if that does not happen, the country will plunge into crisis," he added.
"We are moving court at the end of the interim setup’s tenure. We have prepared a petition in this regard," Mr Chaudhry stated.
Responding to a question, he said if chief election commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja could not hold elections, he should resign from his post.
