ISLAMABAD: Former speaker of the national assembly, Asad Qaiser, has confirmed that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leaders including Saad Rafique and Ayaz Sadiq approached Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for talks on the election date.
Speaking to the media, Asad Qaiser said that during a meeting with the MQM-P and BAP, the government invited PTI for talks.
According to Asad Qaiser, PTI has always kept the doors open for talks. He said that the stance on the talks should also be submitted to the court. Asad Qaisar added that PTI is ready for negotiations within a timeframe but seriousness in talks is a primary condition.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the coalition government and PTI to hold talks and evolve a consensus on elections date in the country. However, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal Chief Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman expressed his desire to see PTI chief Imran Khan out of politics while the Supreme Court wants him to remain at the center.
Federal Minister of Law Azam Nazir Tarar was also present during the meeting between the government and PTI. The supreme court had adjourned the hearing of a petition seeking simultaneous elections across Pakistan after being told about the scheduled meeting between the government and PTI on April 26.
The development comes as the opposition parties continue to demand electoral reforms and transparency in the electoral process. They have also criticized the government’s move to bring forward the election date, accusing it of attempting to gain an advantage in the polls.
PML-N stance on elections date
The PML-N has been demanding that the election be held on time, as per the constitutional requirements, and has urged the government to consult with all the political parties before making any decisions regarding the election date.
The PML-N leaders’ approach to PTI for talks on the election date has brought some hope for consensus-building in the country’s political arena. The government and PTI must now demonstrate seriousness in talks and work towards finding a mutually agreeable solution.
