Summary Rana Sanaullah insists Mahmood Achakzai must meet the prime minister at PM House, while offering unconditional talks with PTI without reversing emergency measures.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The government has rejected Opposition Leader Mahmood Achakzai’s demand for a third venue for his meeting with the prime minister.
In a statement, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah made it clear that the meeting between the prime minister and the opposition leader would take place at the Prime Minister’s House, ruling out any alternative venue.
Rana Sanaullah said the Prime Minister’s House was state property, not anyone’s personal possession. He said similar stubbornness had been displayed in the past, adding that such an approach was unacceptable. The prime minister would meet the opposition leader at the Prime Minister’s House only.
He said the prime minister had written two letters to the opposition leader regarding the appointment of the chief election commissioner and members of the Election Commission. One letter was sent before the prime minister’s departure for the United States, while the second was dispatched after his return. The government was awaiting a response from the opposition leader.
The prime minister’s adviser asked Mahmood Achakzai to specify when he intended to visit the prime minister for the meeting, adding that the government was ready to welcome him.
Rana Sanaullah said unconditional negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were possible, but talks could not be held on the condition that the emergency measures be withdrawn. He added that PTI had not given negotiations a proper chance in the first place.
He said the setup established under the emergency measures would be given adequate time. Pakistan would fight the war against terrorism with full commitment and emerge victorious, he added.
Rana Sanaullah further said that dialogue could be possible if PTI cooperated with the government in the fight against terrorism.
