Thaw in sight as PTI, PML-N opt for ‘indirect’ talks

[daytrader]

Political breakthrough: Direct meeting held between govt, PTI representatives
The two sides met two days back. Two representatives from each side attended the meeting

ISLAMABAD: In a major political breakthrough, there has been a direct meeting between the representatives of the present government and Imran Khan-led PTI to discuss and resolve their political disputes amicably.

The two sides met two days back. Two representatives from each side attended the meeting. The PTI wants early elections -- even if they are held around March-April 2023 -- and in return they would agree to sign the charter of economy and other institutional reforms.

If Imran Khan is pressing for early elections, the PDM leadership is insisting to complete its term. What the two sides discussed in their first meeting after months of gap is being shared with their respective leaderships. The two sides are expected to meet again in the days to come.

In the future meetings, if these talks continue, the two sides will be represented by more people from both ends. The PTI has been trying during the last several months to achieve its political objectives through the military establishment, which was only willing to facilitate the two sides to sit and talk.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday had talked about the PTI’s willingness to talk to the government. Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister expressed his readiness to initiate talks with the PTI on the issue of next general elections in a bid to find a solution to the prevalent political crisis.

Confirming that the PTI approached the government with the dialogue offer, the PM was reported by Dawn having said, “After bashing us (ruling PDM leaders) for over four years, now he (Imran) wants to sit at the table for dialogue. I have put my political rivalry aside for national interest and am ready for talks.”

Last time the two sides met in the second half of May this year. With the background effort of the neutrals, the ruling coalition representatives and PTI leaders had met in Islamabad in the morning of 25 May, the day Imran Khan led the long march to Islamabad. The interaction, however, ended without any breakthrough.

The neutrals had also approached both the sides on 24th May with the request that they should sit together for a negotiated solution to their political disputes, which are causing political instability and furthering the economic chaos.

On May 25th morning, the two sides met. Yousaf Raza Gillani, Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal, Malik Muhammad Khan, Asad Mehmood and Faisal Sabzwari represented the coalition government while Pervez Khattak, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Asad Umar represented the PTI. An important representative of neutrals was also present in the meeting. The talks had no breakthrough primarily because of the harsh conduct of Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

The News PK

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: A day after his disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for involvement in corrupt practices, former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday did not seem too optimistic about the outcome of backchannel dialogue efforts with the quarters concerned, saying he will finally announce a date for his ‘historic long march’ on the capital by next week.

Also on Saturday, the Pak*is*tan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP ruling in the Toshakhana case and reque*sted a hearing on the petition the same day. However, the IHC chief justice dec*lined the request and said the petition along with obje*ctions raised by the registrar will be taken up on Monday.

During a press conference alongside Senator Azam Swati, who was released on bail earlier this week, at Banigala, Imran Khan was asked for an update on his party’s talks with the government and the powers that be.


“Dialogue via backchannels is a part of [the] routine… political par*ties always keep negotiation channels open. But I don’t think anything is going to come out of these talks. What are we even going to negotiate on… we want fresh elections… for the sake of this country,” he said, vowing to get rid of the incumbent government.

Situationer: 10 meetings and a stalemate

The ex-PM, who has been mustering up support for his upcoming march on Islamabad, also annou*n*ced that he will announce the date of the march on Thursday or Fri*day if there was no headway in talks.

“I will announce the date on Thursday or Friday [Oct 27-28]. Even if I am arrested [before the protest], the long march will take place because people want to get rid of the current government,” Mr Khan said.

Speaking about Mr Swati, who was arrested for posting a tweet about the army chief, the PTI chief said it was unfortunate that politicians were being treated like terrorists in Pakistan. “Earlier Shah*baz Gill was arrested and was stri*pped and subjected to sexual torture. If the court had taken notice of the incident, Azam Swati would not have suffered the same fate,” he alleged.

In a comment on the arr*est of the PTI lawmaker from outside the ECP, Imran Khan said Saleh Mohammad was treated by police like a criminal.

Senator Azam Swati said that despite being a parliamentary leader of PTI and a legislator for the last 17 years, he was arrested in front of his grandchildren and was subjected to torture. Mr Swati added that if the CJP could not protect the people, he had no right to stay in the office.

Plea in IHC

In a chamber hearing on Saturday, Chief Justice Athar Minallah upheld the objections raised by the court’s registrar and fixed the PTI’s petition for hearing on Monday. The registrar had raised objections that the plea could not be heard on Saturday, since it was not a habeas corpus matter. How*ever, a hearing on other adm*inistrative objections has been deferred till Monday.

It may be mentioned that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) is scheduled to meet on the same day to consider Justice Minallah and three other judges for their elevation to the Supreme Court.

If JCP recommends Justice Minallah’s name for ascension to the apex court, then he can only hear this case for two weeks because as per Article 175-A, the Parliamentary Committee on Judges Appointments is bound to make a decision on JCP’s recommendations in two weeks.

The petition, filed by PTI counsel Barrister Syed Ali Zafar and Barrister Gohar Khan, contended that “in case the asset is sold or otherwise disposed of, before June 30, there was no requirement of providing the same in the statement of assets and liabilities. It said the ECP had no jurisdiction to de-seat Imran Khan without following the procedure provided in the Elections Act 2017 and obtaining the judgement from a tribunal against a member after a proper trial.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2022

 

[PakLFC]

His big long march will not happen. He should think very carefully as it could be a complete disaster if it does.

 

[Bewal Express]

His big long march will not happen. He should think very carefully as it could be a complete disaster if it does.

Bajwa wants violence to stay on, the mafia want violence to allow Bajwa to declare Martial law. Its tough decision but Kaptaan generally makes the right call. He has 80% support in the country,the Bajwa led mafia have no support

 

[PakLFC]

Bajwa wants violence to stay on, the mafia want violence to allow Bajwa to declare Martial law. Its tough decision but Kaptaan generally makes the right call. He has 80% support in the country,the Bajwa led mafia have no support

I see! Then I am sure you are ready with your Arnie's Commando uniform ready to show your musckes when defending Pakistan Your Kaptaan can not accept that any decision can go against him, that the courts should always favour him. The mafia you are on about come no bigger then Zardari and the Sharif family.

 

[Bewal Express]

I see! Then I am sure you are ready with your Arnie's Commando uniform ready to show your musckes when defending Pakistan Your Kaptaan can not accept that any decision can go against him, that the courts should always favour him. The mafia you are on about come no bigger then Zardari and the Sharif family.

You keep repeating this lie but can't give an example of any decision that he has fought against and he was in the wrong. Let's see some examples before you run off

 

[PakLFC]

You keep repeating this lie but can't give an example of any decision that he has fought against and he was in the wrong. Let's see some examples before you run off

I never disappear that has obviously has missed you. What lie am I repeating ace??

 

[Bewal Express]

I never disappear that has obviously has missed you. What lie am I repeating ace??

You said something last week but couldn't come up with a simple example. So let's see the examples where he has fought something and he was wrong?

 

[daytrader]

Imran hits back at Shehbaz, says he doesn’t speak to ‘boot polishers’

Former prime minister Imran Khan has hit back at PM Shehbaz Sharif’s claim that he sent a message to him on the selection of the army chief.

“Firstly, Shehbaz you gave a statement that I sent you a message that we should decide about the army chief and then you sent another message [to me]… Listen to me: I don’t talk to boot polishers.”

Imran continued to a cheering crowd in Muridke:

"I talk to those — those who you used to hide in the trunk of the car to go meet. What would be the point of meeting you? What would you have to talk about?

"Your life has been to polish big boots, first you [begged] the Americans, then you hid in the trunk and did polished boots and now you are begging the world for money."

He said: "Shehbaz says 'he (Imran) sent message. Why would I send you a message? I was talking to those who make you dance like a puppet and I just called for elections.

"I am that politician who for 22 years went among the people and did hard work to transform a small party into a big one. I was not raised by a military dictator. I didn't call Ayub Khan 'daddy', like Zulfikar Bhutto or Nawaz to General Jillani... I didn't beg, I came with the power of the people."

Imran has a message for the establishment
During his speech in Muridke, PTI Chairman Imran Khan also had a message for the establishment. He said that when former military ruler retired General Pervez Musharraf took over, the people celebrated by distributing sweets.

“But when he gave them (PML-N and PPP) a National Reconciliation Ordinance, he caused us more harm than our enemies,” he roared, pointing out that the establishment had highlighted the corruption of the two parties.

Just because you have decided to side with them, don’t think that the people are “sheep”, he said.

“We can differentiate between right and wrong […] if you stand with these thieves, the people will not stand with you. Look at where the people are,” he exclaimed as he gestured to the crowd.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

Kaptaan desperately to avoid a violent confronting against the mafia, the mafia playing for time. The establishment are in bind because they have backed the wrong horse and now being blackmailed by the mafia families. If they betray the mafia families, all the tapes from the mafia will be released and Bajwa and his neutrals will be exposed. As Latif said we were forced to take power

 

[Pakpak]

Imran said yesterday too if any talks happen the only demand will be elections and these looters to go

 

[daytrader]

Imran claims dialogue on with ‘establishment

• Says didn’t approach Shehbaz, implying govt cannot offer him anything
• Kh Asif denies talks with PTI, rules out snap polls
• Policeman on march duty dies of cardiac arrest

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chair*man Imran Khan confirmed on Sunday that dialogue was underway with the powers-that-be to find a solution to the political crisis prevailing in the country, following the ouster of the PTI government in April through a no-confidence vote.

The remarks came in res*p*onse to the statement made by Prime Minister She*hbaz Sharif wherein he claimed that the government had snu*bbed an offer by Imran Khan suggesting consensus over the appointment of the new army chief after the ret*irement of Gen*e*ral Qamar Javed Bajwa in November. The offer was rejected by the government, as it was the “prerogative of the prime minister to make such an appointment in light of the Constitution”, said the prime minister in response to a que*s*tion on Saturday evening.

Editorial: Establishment has only itself to blame for exposing spy chief to Imran's trenchant criticism

The PTI chairman resu*med his march from Mur*dike in the morning and halted it near Sadhoki after a reporter identified as Sadaf Naeem fell off the container and was crushed to death. Her death prompted a “shocked” Khan to come down from the container and suspend the journey before reaching its destination in Sadhoki.

Also on Sunday, a police constable, Liaqat Ali, died of cardiac arrest during the march duty near Muridke. He belonged to the Sheikhupura police.

In his speech from atop the container, the ex-premier targeted the incumbent PM and termed him a ‘boot-polisher’ for his purported proximity to the establishment.

Addressing the participants of the long march, the PTI chairman said he did not send an offer to PM Sharif for talks.

“What [power] do you have that I approach you for talks,” the PTI chairman quipped. “I have talked to and am still talking to those, whom you used to visit for meetings in the boot of your vehicle,” Mr Khan said in reference to alleged meetings between Mr Sharif and the establishment.

According to the PTI chairman, his sole demand was new elections and supremacy of law in letter and spirit.

He took the Indian media to task for playing up on his criticism of the establishment. The PTI chairman said he did not criticise the army as an institution but only a few officers for actions they should not have taken. “My criticism is constructive for the army as well as for the country,” he asserted.

Speaking about his political struggle, Mr Khan said he turned PTI into the “single largest political party” at the national level without anyone’s help. He claimed that he never requested anyone in the military establishment to help him come to power.

“I had come to power in 2018 with the support of people…[now I] want free and fair general elections allowing masses to choose their leader and take decisions for their benefit,” he said, adding, “I will accept the decision of the masses.”

In his speech, Imran Khan also warned the military establishment and asked it not to side with ‘crooks’ who were rejected by the masses in 2018 elections.

No one should think that people in Pakistan were “a flock of animals” and could be asked to do anything, said the former premier in a reference to the no-confidence motion which saw his ouster in April. He said people had become aware and they would never accept the “corrupt” ruling elite. Imran Khan reiterated that he was indulging in “positive criticism” of the army officers and added that he wanted the nation to stand by the army to strengthen Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, at least seven persons were reported injured near Muridke on Gujranwala Road after a part of a fibre roof of an underpass came apart. The rescuers took the injured to the nearby hospital. In another incident, PTI workers and supporters reportedly clashed with each other near Muridke, and were seen using batons and chairs at a camp set up to welcome the PTI chairman.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi again confirmed that a backdoor dialogue was underway and added that such dialogues always happened whenever there were long marches.

Sources claimed that Mr Elahi also met some important personalities from Rawalpindi and Islamabad at a ceremony on Baidian Road in Lahore and discussed the speeches being made by Imran Khan in a cordial manner.

‘No talks’

On the other hand, PML-N leader Khawaja Asif at a press conference ruled out early elections. He said the assembly will complete its term and denied reports of talks with the PTI.

Mr Asif said the PTI chief will not have any role in the appointment of the army chief as it was a “sole prerogative of the prime minister”.

The defence minister said that the army would send the names of nominees for the slot through the Ministry of Defence and the PM would exercise his constitutional right to make the appointment.

How could Imran Khan advise the government on the issue when he is not even a member of the National Assembly, asked the minister.

He blamed Mr Khan for using the death of slain journalist Arshad Sharif to gain political mileage. The defence minister said that Imran’s statements regarding Sharif’s killing reflected that he had “some evidence” and urged the PTI chief to appear before the commission.

“If he (Imran) doesn’t come himself, he will be called,” he asserted. “I will not go to the extent of saying that he is involved in the crime, but I will say that time will tell who the culprit is,” said Asif.

He criticised Imran Khan for his criticism of the establishment and said India was using statements made by the former premier to churn out propaganda.

“He has provided them with this opportunity. Who is Imran working for in real,” the minister said, adding that institutions wanted to stay “neutral” but the PTI chief called it an “animal” for staying neutral.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

Nawaz tells PM not to engage Imran in talks
PML-N supremo says Imran’s emphasis is on foul language; Shehbaz should focus on serving people

ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif stopped Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday from engaging in talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in connection with his long march.

The PML-N supremo asked the prime minister from London neither he should neither listen to any demands nor give any face saving to PTI chairman no matter “if he brings 2,000 or 20,000 people to the capital”.

PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan started his long march – dubbed as ‘Haqeeqi Azadi March’ – towards Islamabad from Lahore on Friday. Imran said that his only demand was the date of the early general elections.

On Saturday, the prime minister formed a 13-member committee, including representatives from the ruling coalition parties regarding the march, saying that anyone wishing talks, could approach the committee.

In a series of tweets, Nawaz said that Imran was desperately looking for face saving. He said that Imran frequently claimed to bring a million people to Islamabad but has not yet managed to gather 2,000 people.

Nawaz said that the reason for the indifference of the people was Imran’s evil lies that have been exposed before the nation. “He [Imran] told one lie after another so brazenly and stubbornly that the DG ISI [Inter-Services Intelligence] was forced to break his silence and tell the nation the truth, which he could not answer even after so many days,” he stated.

“That is why,” Nawaz maintained, “Imran’s all emphasis as usual is on foul language”.

He added: “I have told Shahbaz Sharif that whether he [Imran] brings 2,000 or 20,000 people, neither he [the prime minister] should listen to any demand of this fitna [mischief] nor give him any face saving, for which he is desperate,” Nawaz tweeted, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz should focus all his attention on serving the people.

On October 27, in an unprecedented press conference, the ISI chief, flanked by director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), had questioned why the army was being dragged into all kinds of controversies.

The ISI chief went at length to dilate upon the modus operandi of upheavals going on since the ouster of Imran Khan’s government, and as to how issues were being concocted to make an issue out of non-issues.

On October 26, Nawaz had also tweeted that Imran’s long march was not for any revolution but to appoint an army chief of his liking, saying that the people had already seen his revolution during his four-year tenure.

Nawaz’s latest tweets have come on the heels of Imran’s tweet wherein he said that he has been witnessing a revolution taking over the country for the last six months, saying the “only question is will it be a soft one through the ballot box or a destructive one through bloodshed”.

Imran, who started his long march from Lahore on October 28, is slowly moving towards Islamabad with one-point agenda of holding free and fair elections at the earliest in the country. The PTI chief has been demanding snap polls soon after he was ousted through a vote of no-confidence in April this year.

Since then, Imran has held rallies in many cities, won the by-elections in Punjab and the one held on the National Assembly seats that fell vacant after PTI lawmakers resigned en masse.

Though the PTI’s 123 lawmakers had resigned but National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvaiz Ashraf had accepted the resignations of only a handful of the lawmakers.

Subsequently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced elections on the vacant seats where Imran made history once again by winning six out of eight seats.

The victory in by-polls in Punjab and on the National Assembly seats has given the PTI chairman an indication that people were with him and if the country goes for snap polls his party could come back in power.

On the other hand, the PML-N-led ruling alliance has frequently been saying that general elections would be held on time and there was no chance of holding early elections in the country, which has severely been affected the climate-induced rains and floods affecting roughly 33 million people.

Reportedly, there was a time when the PML-N leadership decided to go for early elections but when Imran announced his previous long march in May this year seeking date for the next general election, Prime Minister Shehbaz along with top leadership of the allied parties decided that they would now complete the remaining constitutional term.

At the moment, Imran is constantly building pressure on the government for snap polls but the ruling alliance has repeatedly rejected his demands and offered talks on charter of economy, among other things. With Nawaz’s latest tweet, it seems the door for negotiations will remain closed for some time.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday has asked former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan to shun politics of ‘agitation’ and sit down with the political parties to resolve disputes through dialogue “for the sake of Pakistan”.

“Imran Khan needs to give up his agenda of riots as the country needs consensus at this time and not hypocrisy,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday.

 

[MenInG]

Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira on Friday said unconditional dialogue was the only option to address all political issues and reach a consensus on all outstanding matters.

“We are ready to talk to them [PTI leadership] on their demands but unconditionally. Consensus should be acceptable for all democratic forces in the country for strengthening of democracy and the supremacy of law and constitution,” he told a news conference.

Kaira said, "We never denied holding of dialogue with them but they have to justify their demands as here is a constitution and democratic institutions, which should be respected and obeyed.”

He said there should be no deadlock in political dialogue because it’s a negative thing in a democratic system and all political issues could be resolved through dialogue and discussions.

“Deadlocks in dialogue create problems while discussions pave the way for positive outcomes.”

He suggested that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership should avoid issuing controversial statements which may harm peace and stability of the country.

“Unfortunately, PTI leaders have been issuing irresponsible statements soon after the firing incident, which should be avoided.”

Kaira said changing the government was purely an undemocratic and unconstitutional demand of the PTI. He said, "We are a strong believer in peaceful dialogue with political parties."

Unlike PTI leadership, the government’s representatives never issued any irresponsible statements and they only responded to their charges in a polite manner, he added.

Replying to a question, the PM’s aide said, “We want to make the country’s political atmosphere a pleasant and calm one. Our enemies are taking advantage of the situation to destabilize our country.”

To another question, he said, “I will request the prime minister and my party leadership to visit Imran Khan to inquire after his health."

He said that the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) faced similar attacks and even lost their lives but "we never exploited the situation and stimulated the public for wrongdoing. I request PTI leadership to play a responsible role to ensure peace in the country and foil the nefarious designs of Pakistan’s enemies”.

He said that the entire nation was shocked over the tragic firing incident. He prayed to the Allah Almighty for the early recovery of the PTI chairman and other injured persons.

He expressed the hope that the Punjab government would properly investigate the matter as the attacker was in their custody along with the weapon while they had footage and other material to probe the matter.

He, however, said that rather than focusing on the investigation, the PTI leadership was trying to involve those personalities who had nothing to do with the incident.

He asked the PTI leadership to avoid making such wrong charges without having facts. He wondered how PTI leaders could blame the federal government; if this was a matter of negligence then the Punjab government should be held accountable for not making proper security arrangements for the PTI long march.

They should blame the Punjab government as the chief minister of Punjab, who is the administrative head of the province, failed to issue any statement on the matter, Kaira added.

Express Tribune

 

[the Great Khan]

What's to negotiate? Early elections or at least a dare for a compromise election that both sides can agree to..end of..

 

[daytrader]

Efforts for dialogue ended without success: President Dr Arif Alvi
President Dr Arif Alvi revealed that he tried to find out a way for early elections via negotiations between the coalition government and the PTI

LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi revealed on Saturday that he tried to find out a way for early elections via negotiations between the coalition government and the PTI.

He said that he took the initiative in a bid to defuse the soaring tensions between the two sides “but all efforts failed.”

President Alvi, while talking to journalists at the Punjab Governor House, stressed on the need for early elections.

Commenting on the ongoing political situation in the country, the president said that he was in contact with the institutions which could play an effective role in resolving the matter.

The president said that he used to make efforts to remove the differences among the institutions, adding that he wanted to keep the Federation united.

He said that the political use of NAB law was a mistake.

Responding to a question, the president said that he was making efforts to improve ties between Imran Khan and the establishment.

“Khan is my leader and old friend,” the president said, adding that he does not take the PTI chief’s advice before working.

Stressing on the need for an improvement in the working of state institutions, Alvi said, “Institutions are being used politically.”

He said that political role of the institution is wrong.

“The Constitution does not allow consultation on the appointment of army chief,” the president said, adding that still there was no harm in discussion on the appointment of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Responding to a question about the establishment’s role in politics, the president said that he could not rewrite history but could only try to make things better.

President Alvi said that all the political parties had demanded early elections at some point in time and added that even the Supreme Court had discussed the possibility of early polls to end the political deadlock. He said that matters are referred to the judiciary but no one is ready to accept its decisions.

Earlier, addressing the awareness seminar organised by the office of the Federal Tax Ombudsman at the Governor’s House, the president said the Tax Ombudsman is doing a commendable job resolving revenue disputes.

He stressed on the need for putting aside differences and moving ahead through dialogue based on national interest.

He said the number of complaints against FBR increased from 2,414 (in 2021) to 5,494 (in 2022) which shows that people’s pragmatic approach towards the Tax Ombudsman improved a lot.

He appreciated that the complaints had been addressed within 40 days instead of 60 days as prescribed under the law.

Alvi appreciated the Punjab Governor Baligh-ur-Rehman, who attended the seminar despite political differences. He commended the services of Office of Women Ombudsman in Punjab for providing relief to women. “Now under affirmative legislation, women can approach the Women Ombudsman irrespective of the status of her case in the court,” he added.

He appreciated the Tax Ombudsman for promoting the dispute resolution regime in resolving tax issues by opening one window to register and resolve the issues faced by overseas Pakistanis.

He called for a more vigorous campaign to convince citizens to register complaints against injustices done to them by tax authorities. He said people are still not approaching the Tax Ombudsman office as is evident from the registration of a mere over 5,000 complaints out of over 211 million population. The president lamented that the tax-to-GDP ratio in Pakistan is too low and urged the citizens to pay their due taxes.

Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr Asif Jah briefed the president about the functions of his office. He urged the need to facilitate taxpayers by dispensing speedy and cost-effective justice to aggrieved taxpayers against the maladministration of tax officials, adding that adopting a people-friendly attitude and open-door policy by tax officials would encourage people to voluntarily become part of the tax net.

The president underlined the need to end the practice of frivolous tax litigation in cases where the cost of litigation exceeded the amount of tax involved, to save government departments’ time and resources.

He further said that taxes are essential for effectively running the governance system, adding that the business community should voluntarily comply with the tax regime whereas the tax machinery should facilitate the taxpayers to make the filing of taxes easier and reduce the cost of tax compliance.

The president said that the latest IT tools, including complaint management systems, web-based Chatbots, web portals and mobile applications could enhance the registration of taxpayers’ complaints. He urged FTO to effectively play its role in the resolution of complaints by creating an awareness about its role and services.

He appreciated the FTO for incorporating the alternative dispute resolution to mediate between the taxpayers and FBR for mutual agreement and settlement among the parties which, he said, not only provided expeditious relief to taxpayers but also reduced the cost of litigation for FBR.

He said the process of lodging the complaint by the affected should be made easier by using electronic means of communication for filing complaints and recording statements by the complainants and witnesses.

The News PK

 

[IMMY69]

The cabal or crooks have no option but to try and hang on.
Why will they want early elections or any elections at all if they're going to by annihilated???

 

[MenInG]

For the first time since coming to power, the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) federal government has initiated dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sources told The Express Tribune.

The development came as Finance Minister Ishaq Dar met with President Arif Alvi on Friday and offered dialogue to resolve political issues. The sources said the president told him that his message would be conveyed to the PTI leadership.

In response to the government offer, the PTI leadership also showed willingness and authorised the president to engage with the government, the sources added.

Dar held two meetings with the president in the last three days.

“The PTI wants the announcement of date for the early general elections. If the government agrees, then the PTI is willing to re-join parliament for a dialogue on the electoral framework.”

It is also reported that the purpose of the meeting between the finance minister and the president was to ensure that the process regarding the appointment of new army chief would culminate smoothly.

Under the law, the president can hold back the summary with regard to the appointment of army chief sent to him by the prime for 25 days. The sources, however, said the appointment of an army chief is a very sensitive matter, and it will not be in the national interest to delay the process.

A PTI leader told The Express Tribune that if the government appoints an army chief in violation of the settled process, then the president may hold the summary for reconsideration.

He, however, said that the party would not dispute the appointment of any general as the army chief. “Now, the appointment of the new chief is not an issue of PTI,” he added.

However, he remarked that the civil and military leadership are not on the same page regarding the appointment of the new chief.

The Express Tribune has learned on good authority that the summary regarding the appointment of the chief of army staff (COAS) is yet to be initiated by the defence ministry.

One source claimed that the summary can be initiated anytime in the next 36 hours, but if the summary is delayed further, then the government may approve the appointment of the new army chief through the federal cabinet.

However, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader rejected the report regarding differences between the civil and military leadership on the matter. He said that the decision has already been taken and the announcement would be made next week.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif consulted former president Asif Ali Zardari and PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

On the other hand, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned the president that in case any mess is created in the process, then he would be held responsible.

Legal experts said that matter may come up in the Supreme Court on the ground of not following the already settled process regarding the appointment of the chief.

Political analysts have said that the new COAS will have many challenges such as the worsening economic situation due to political instability and PTI chief Imran Khan’s anti-establishment narrative.

The PTI is expecting the new army chief to ensure early general elections while the PDM government wants their government to function smoothly until next September.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

‘Backdoor negotiations’ underway with President Alvi: Sheikh Rashid
Former minister and AML chief Sheikh Rashid has said that “backdoor negotiations” with President Arif Alvi were underway.

AML chief Sheikh Rashid talks to media persons in Lahore. — DawnNewsTV
In a media talk in Lahore today, he said that PTI chairman Imran Khan “has no interest” in the appointment of the army chief. “He just wants the selection to be made on merit.”

Rashid also met Imran at the former premier’s residence in the city earlier in the day. Talking to journalists afterward, he said that doctors had advised Imran not to travel, adding that there was still a threat to the PTI chief’s life.

About the long march, Rashid said that people would march on the capital in the daylight. “We have only one demand: free and fair elections.”

 

[daytrader]

Imran claims PDM offered talks, vows to surprise all

LAHORE: Days after a meeting between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar and President Arif Alvi, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan claimed that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government had approached the former ruling party for talks.

The former prime minister made these remarks while speaking about his strategy for the long march and other issues, including the appointment of the new army chief and Pakistan’s economic situation, in an interaction with media at his Zaman Park residence on Sunday.

Mr Khan said the PDM government relayed messages through President Alvi to him and the PTI, but he was not ready to sit with the government till the announcement of fresh elections — a long-held demand of the former premier.

“I would be open to talks on all issues” after the announcement of the date for the general elections, he added. He said the government was afraid to go the polls because it had lost its popularity among the masses. “I will defeat the corrupt rulers’ government with the support of people since they are motivated to get their rights and justice,” he vowed.

When contacted, PML-N Punjab Information Secretary Azma Bukhari denied the claim made by the PTI chairman regarding the talks offer.

“Imran Khan tries to hold our collar in the day but keeps beseeching for an honourable way out in the dark of the night,” she quipped while reacting to the PTI chief’s remarks.

Another PML-N leader, on the condition of anonymity, said Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had called on President Alvi “only to check his reaction on the proposed summary being forwarded for the appointment of the new army chief”.

‘Surprise for all’

Mr Khan, who is recuperating in Lahore after he was injured in a gun attack near Wazirabad earlier this month, said he was all set to give a “surprise to everyone” on November 26 — the day the long marchers will converge on Rawalpindi. The party’s strategy to take the long march to Rawalpindi instead of Islamabad will also be unfolded soon, he added, referring to the ‘surprise’. Mr Khan asserted that he will be present in Pindi (even if not fully recovered) to greet the marchers and explain the next strategy of the march on Islamabad.

The PTI chairman claimed that he knew the planning of the PDM government and he had ‘counter-plans’ to surprise the government and its alleged facilitators. He went on to say that the incumbent government was “trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea”.

If the government called elections it would face “humiliating defeat” and if it refrained from calling fresh polls then it would push the country towards “bankruptcy”.

He reiterated his stance that early free and fair elections were the only solution to drive the country out of economic and political problems.

Speaking about the next chief of army staff (COAS), the former premier said that the senior-most general should be appointed as the next army chief. The PTI chairman said he did not have a problem with the government choosing to appoint the new COAS.

Imran Khan also talked about the Toshakhana scandal during his conversation. He added the PDM government despite using all the state machinery “could not find anything other than the Toshakhana gift watch. “The gift-watch propaganda will soon be exposed in the court,” he asserted.

The PTI chairman has called a meeting of the party’s central leadership, to be held in a day or two, to finalise preparations for the next phase of the long march. The meeting participants will be briefed by the party’s top leaders about the route and movement of caravans of the long march towards the garrison city.

Threats to Imran

Apprehending that he was facing life threats and can be attacked again, the PTI chief asserted that he would still reach Rawalpindi on Nov 26 and lead the long march to achieve ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ for the people of Pakistan currently pushed into a blind alley.

Since Mr Khan had also told foreign media that he was still facing life threats, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on a private news channel’s talk show stated, “Imran Khan is facing threats to his life from the enemy countries’ agencies”.

The interior minister said the PTI chief, on the other hand, had levelled allegations against the government and security agencies for the assassination attempt on him. “The anti-Pakistan forces can benefit from the current situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, PTI’s coalition partner Chief Minister Parvez Elahi stated that Imran Khan had clarified that the establishment had no role with regard to toppling the government and in the assassination attempt on him.

The Punjab government spokesperson, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, who was present in Mr Khan’s meeting with media persons, says the PTI would bring a maximum number of party workers to the long march in Rawalpindi. She said the PTI would do everything to get justice in the cases pertaining to the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif and the alleged custodial torture of Senator Azam Swati.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: In what appeared to be the government’s readiness to hold snap polls, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah invited PTI chairman Imran Khan to hold talks with the ruling alliance for an early election date.

“Decisions change and deadlocks break when politicians hold talks,” Mr Sanaullah said while speaking at a press conference after presiding over a meeting on the law and order situation here on Friday.

He said PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also not refuse if Mr Khan wished to hold talks with leaders of the ruling alliance.

He asked the PTI chief to return to the parliament and behave like a politician, adding that this was the only way if he wanted early elections in the country.


“Have a mercy on the nation and leave your stubbornness so that the country can move forward. Otherwise you will be responsible for the price hike and political instability,” the minister said.

He also advised Mr Khan to postpone his protest rally in Rawalpindi scheduled for to**day (Saturday) to force the coalition to an**nounce early elections, cautioning against a threat of attack by terrorist outfits.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman should put off his “pointless” protest rally because intelligence agencies had warned the government about terrorism threats to the rally, Mr Sanaullah said. “Intelligence agencies have issued a red alert about the rally and informed the government that any terrorist or terrorist group can take advantage of the situation,” he said, adding that the PTI leader also had a threat to his life.

He pointed out that the government had already sent a letter to party leader Asad Umar, explaining nature of the threats to the PTI leader and his long march in Rawalpindi tomorrow. and said if Mr Umar wanted to verify the threats “he can sit with the agency representatives”.

Earlier this week, the ministry of interior had issued a security advisory to the PTI, warning the opposition party of the threats of militant groups and “radicalised youth” of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to the party chief Imran Khan and participants of its anti-government long march.

The minister said that he, in a meeting at the ministry of interior, had instructed the Punjab chief secretary and inspector general of police to guard the venue of the rally from all sides and no one should be allowed to participate without a body search.

Mr Sanaullah said that the protest rally announced by Mr Khan would be pointless as he was demanding a date for early elections.

“You will not get an early election date from Rawalpindi,” he said, while referring to the General Headquarters (GHQ).

“The establishment as an institution stands by its decision that it will confine itself to its constitutional role and will not step out of it,” the minister said.

In reply to a question about the return of Mr Nawaz Sharif to the country, he said Mr Sharif’s return was not linked with any military appointment, adding that the return of the former prime minister was linked with the acquittal of his daughter Maryam in a corruption case.

In reply to a question, the minister said the government had no mandate to launch a probe into assets of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, whose family had reportedly become a billionaire over his six years as the army chief.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2022

https://www.dawn.com/news/1723146/rana-sanaullah-invites-imran-for-talks-warns-pti-of-terror-alert

 

[daytrader]

Govt ‘not keen’ to hold talks with PTI
Minister says two side lack common agenda

The government on Thursday rejected the latest offer for talks by the PTI, saying that the two sides lacked common agenda to initiate dialogue as the latter wants snap polls while we would not budge from our stance of holding the elections on time.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, while talking to The Express Tribune, also clarified that neither overt nor covert negotiations were being held with the former ruling party and any speculations about such talks were mere speculations.

While commenting on the PTI expressing its willingness to talk to the federal government on the next elections, the government’s spokesperson said that no negotiations can take place when prior conditions are attached to it.

The minister was referring to PTI’s demand that the government should first announce the date for the next general elections and then both sides can sit together for deciding the framework of the next elections.

Lately, PTI has reportedly put another condition that it can accept elections in the coming August or September if the government shares an economic plan.

“For sure if Govt announce early elections we are ready to negotiate framework of elections and Changes in ECP,” PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry tweeted on Thursday.

Marriyum, however, emphasised that elections would be held after the government completes its remaining constitutional period.

“For talks, there should be a common agenda item; government and PTI have no common agenda for talks right now,” she said. “Imran wants elections, and the government does not; what is left to talk.”

The PTI’s latest conditional offer clothed as its ‘willingness for talks’ has come on the heels of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s announcement that his party would opt out of the “corrupt system” and could either resign en masse or go the dissolution of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assemblies.

Currently, PTI leadership is deliberating on its options and holding back-to-back party meetings to reach a consensus if it should resign, dissolve two out of four provincial assemblies and above all, when should it do so.

PTI’s offer for talks has come weeks after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had extended an olive branch to the PTI chief but got no response from the former ruling party.

Though the premier has repeatedly offered talks, including the time when he was the opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA), Imran has always avoided such offers and even refused to shake hands with his opponents lest it “normalises corruption”.

For years, Imran has avoided all opportunities to sit with his political rivals as he has drawn clear battle lines against them over accusations of decades of corruption and treason.

Apart from Marriyum, several others in the ruling alliance, while referring to PM Shehbaz and coalition parties’ consistent stance that elections would be held on time, said that holding snap polls would also be difficult without fresh census, the subsequent delimitation exercise and keeping in line with the current situation in the flood-affected areas.

A key member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), requesting not to be named, said that accepting the PTI chairman’s conditions before sitting across for talks would be tantamount to giving him victory beforehand.

Besides, he said, there would be no point of holding talks if PTI already gets a date for the next elections. Also, he added, agreeing and announcing the date for the next elections would weaken the government’s position and give a ‘perceived victory’ to the other side.

Just days before PTI’s long march aimed at forcing snap elections, PM Shehbaz’s spokesperson Fahd Hussain had said that the government had been very clear that elections would be held on the scheduled time.

He had predicted that Imran would be bitterly disappointed if he was expecting that he would get the government to announce early elections under pressure.

PTI’s long march concluded without getting an election date as Imran had decided that he would not march on to the federal capital, but rather go for en masse resignations.

Later, PTI added the option of dissolving the assemblies but has not taken a final decision on when it wants to go ahead with it.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

Former information minister and senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday confirmed that the government was in "informal contact" with his party.

The development comes two days after PTI chief Imran Khan softened his stance on possible talks with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders and appeared to be striking a conciliatory tone as he signalled his openness to “sit and talk and give a date for the general elections”.

However, while making the offer he also threatened to dissolve the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.

The offer for talks to the government appeared to mark a departure from the hardline stance he took during his mammoth November 26 Rawalpindi rally.

Responding to a question during a media talk in Islamabad today, Fawad confirmed that the government was in "informal contact" with PTI.

"We have made them clear that they are not capable to control the economy. The incumbent government has become irrelevant and its days have been numbered. The only solution of the current economic crisis is free and fair elections in the country," he maintained.

He highlighted that the economic situation of the country is so bad that the federal government is in debt of Rs172 to Punjab and Rs120 billion to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

"The current economic situation of the country has jeopardised the Sehat Card and other public welfare projects of the Punjab and K-P governments," he added.

Fawad said that PTI and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) are allies in Punjab and will continue their cooperation in the future, adding that Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi have expressed their opinions but the final decision about the dissolution of the provincial assembly will be made by Imran Khan.

The former information minister said that the PML-Q leadership has given its viewpoint in the recent media interactions but it stands by Imran Khan. "Pervaiz Elahi will dissolve Punjab Assembly as soon as the PTI chief decides after deliberation with different stakeholders," he said.

When the PTI parliamentarians resigned from the National Assembly, he highlighted, some of our members were of the view that we should not tender resignations but later everyone saw the highest number of 127 lawmakers had given their resignations, which were accepted and later rejected to avoid by-elections.

PTI leader said the consultation process among party has been initiated. “Today, MNAs and MPAs of Lahore called on Imran Khan and shared their opinions with the party chief. The senior leadership of the party is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to make the decision on the date of dissolution of the provincial assemblies.”

Right now, Fawad said, the economy is the biggest challenge as the incumbent government has failed to control inflation and depleting foreign exchange reserves.

“We fear that [Prime Minister] Shehbaz Sharif, [Finance Minister] Ishaq Dar and Asif Ali Zardari will fly away from Pakistan after defaulting the country,” he added.

'PTI trying to decrease friction with establishment, judiciary'

Fawad said that PTI was trying to decrease friction with the establishment and the judiciary but the government is attempting to increase the rift.

"Human rights violations witnessed in the recent months should stop," he said and added that registration of FIRs against Senator Azam Khan Swati and Shahbaz Gill is a serious concern for the PTI.

"We are hearing that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is initiating proceedings to disqualify Imran Khan but everyone should know that there is no future of politics in Pakistan minus Imran,” Fawad underlined.

 

[Bewal Express]

IK should not seek any early elections. The economy is on the verge of the collapse, so let these idiots that are fighting like the rats they are take the rap for this disaster.

 

[daytrader]

President Arif Alvi wants politicians to ‘cash in’ on army’s ‘apolitical’ stance

President Arif Alvi on Thursday urged politicians to “grab the op**p*o*rtunity” resulting from the mi***litary’s planned retreat from politics and work toge*ther to strengthen democracy.

The president was speaking at the concluding session of ‘Islamabad Conclave-2022’ organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islam*ab**ad, a think tank based in the capital.

“The army has publicly committed to stay out of politics. It’s now for the politicians to grab this opportunity with a sense of responsibility,” he said.

The president was referring to a statement by form*er army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa that the milit*a**ry has decided to re**main ‘ap**olitical’ after admitting the army’s “unconstitutional” meddling in the politics for almost seven decades.

In the context of intense political polarisation, President Alvi said politicians should talk and discuss all contentious matters.

“There is nothing which cannot be talked about,” he said while pleading with the political parties to “take the country out of crises and polarisation.”

On foreign relations, he underscored the need for engagement and said it was also important from the security perspective.

“Democracy, defence, inf*ormation and communication, security, and economic independence were essential elements for comprehensive security,” he added.

He also regretted that debates on national issues, including health, economy, communication or development are held from “an elitist perspective”.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

RANA SANAULLAH SAYS PDM READY FOR UNCONDITIONAL TALKS WITH PTI

The federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Saturday that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is ready for unconditional talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), ARY News reported.

Addressing a press conference Rana Sanaullah said that president Arif Alvi is playing his role in talks between both parties. Prior to this, Fawad Chaudhary and Shah Mehmood Qureshi also tried to hold talks with PDM.

Rana Sanaullah further said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was requested by party members to return to Pakistan ahead of the elections.

The three-time prime minister has accepted the party request. He lead the party election campaign and will also allocate tickets to the candidates for the next general elections.

On Azam Swati cases the federal interior minister commented that the cases registered the PTI senator are not political as he was booked in these case when he targeted two state institution.

He lamented on PTI that the party has been blackmailing the federal government for last 7 months. He added that PTI has politically destabilize the country.

Earlier, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah challenged Imran Khan to “walk the talk” and dissolve Punjab and KP assembly, adding that his party is ready for by-elections in Punjab.

The minister also challenged Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Pervaiz Elahi to dissolve the provincial assembly as the PML-N and its allies were ready to contest the elections. “The political damage that we have already sustained ends here, no more,” he added.

ARY

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday once again offered olive branch to PTI chief Imran Khan saying that he is ready to set aside all differences for the sake of the country.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with federal ministers, PM Shehbaz said Finance Minister Ishaq Dar recently held a meeting with President Arif Alvi, who belongs to PTI, with his permission.

“One hundred steps can be taken forward for Pakistan. All differences can be set aside,” he said.

The prime minister also said the both parties — government and opposition—need to come forward in order to initiate dialogue.

“He [Imran Khan] is very egocentric person who only cares about his personal interests and he can stoop to any level for his vested interests,” the premier however remarked in the same breath.

Speaking about British publication Daily Mail’s apology, PM Shehbaz said that the unconditional apology by the newspaper was a vindication of the 220 million people of Pakistan “which also thwarted an anti-state conspiracy hatched by Imran Khan and his cronies”.

“Finally, after three years, they (Daily Mail) tendered an apology, not just to me but all of you. It was an apology to 220 million Pakistanis and to millions of those mothers and children who were benefiting from DIFD projects to support their food and health,” the prime minister said.

Apprising the media of the allegations levelled by the previous government through the Daily Mail article, the prime minister said the onslaught was only meant to defame him, Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

“He (Imran Khan) was so callous that he never thought that it will not only malign Nawaz Sharif or Shehbaz Sharif rather it will damage Pakistan’s reputation,” he remarked. The newspaper also published its apology in Sunday’s print edition, he added.

He told the media that DFID project’s amount of 600 million pounds was spent transparently and the allegations were also contradicted by the DFID itself.

“Consequently, the country was mocked and a message was conveyed that Pakistan should not be given aid or grant,” he said.

He said despite the passage of three years, Imran’s accountability czar Shahzad Akbar failed to produce documents to substantiate his allegations which also led to his (Shehbaz Sharif) vindication by the NCA.

He said by selling a especially-designed watch containing Holy Kaaba’s picture, gifted by Saudi crown prince, Imran Khan committed the “cheapest act”.

The premier also mentioned an article published in the Financial Times alleging Imran Khan of spending donations collected for Shaukat Khanum Hospital on his politics.

The prime minister told the media that the incumbent government inherited a shaken economy and that they had to beseech the IMF which was not ready to trust Pakistan after the previous government deviated from the commitments.

He said by passing the burden of the oil price surge to the masses, the incumbent government sacrificed its politics in the state’s interest as the previous government had laid a trap for their government by holding back price hike.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

PM signals readiness to forgive and forget
Shahbaz calls for shunning ego for political conciliation in national interest; rejects notion of imminent default

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held out an olive branch on Monday to his political foes, saying that all differences could be forgotten for the sake of national interest but stressed that one had to swallow personal ego because it always took two to tango.

At a press conference in the federal capital, the prime minister, however, fired a broadside against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, holding him responsible for all the crises facing the country today. He called Imran a liar, who used all his energies to crush the Sharif family, and not for the public good.

The prime minister rejected outright the notion that the country faced an imminent default, saying that the government was working day and night to handle the economy and providing relief and support to the people, particularly those affected by the recent floods.

At the presser, the prime minister was asked about the talks with the PTI. “All differences can be forgotten for the sake of national interest. We can take a hundred steps forward for the prosperity of the country,” the prime minister replied.

However, he continued, “What kind of talks can be held with an egoistic and liar, who even defames the army… I want to tell the people that this person is a fraud having nothing to do with the nation’s future. We have not come in the government to accept everything they say. For Pakistan, you have to shun your ego.”

The prime minister told reporters that the government inherited a shaken economy when it came to power in April this year. “We had to beseech to the IMF [International Monetary Fund], which was not ready to trust Pakistan because of the previous [PTI] regime’s breach of commitments,” he continued.

Imran artificially held back petrol prices hike and by passing the burden of oil price surge to the masses, the incumbent government sacrificed its politics in the interest of the state,” he added. “We raised prices out of compulsion; we did not have the resources. We would surely pass on the relief, it some cushion is found.”

When asked as to who was responsible for the current situation in Pakistan, the prime minister replied that all the civilian and martial law regimes were responsible. For now, he added. “Every day there is speculation that Pakistan will default. Pakistan will not default, you wanted Pakistan to become Sri Lanka, you have no shame?”

However, he admitted that challenges still remained. “With the onset of winter, a huge challenge is still ahead. Don’t know where the money will come from [to support the reconstruction],” he added. So far, he said, the government had disbursed Rs470 billion among flood victims.

Responding to another question about Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s meeting with President Dr Arif Alvi, the prime minister revealed that, in fact, the president had expressed his desire to meet Dar, adding: “The finance minister met [the president] with my permission.”


Newspaper apology

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the unconditional apology from the British publication Daily Mail was a vindication of the 220 million Pakistanis, which also thwarted an anti-state conspiracy hatched by Imran Khan and his cronies.

“Finally, after three years, they [Daily Mail] tendered an apology, not to me but all of you. It was an apology to 220 million Pakistanis, and to millions of those mothers and children who were benefiting from the DfID [Department for International Development] projects to support their food and health,” he said.

Apprising the media of the allegations levelled by the previous government through the Daily Mail article, Shahbaz said that the onslaught was only meant to defame him, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

“He [Imran Khan] was so callous, he never thought that this would not only malign Nawaz Sharif or Shehbaz Sharif but would rather hurt Pakistan’s reputation,” he remarked. “Consequently, Pakistan was mocked and a message was conveyed that Pakistan should not be given any aid or grant,” he added.

He told reporters that despite the passage of three years, Shahzad Akbar [former prime minister Imran Khan’s accountability czar] failed to produce documents to substantiate his allegations, which also led to his [Shehbaz Sharif’s] vindication by the NCA [National Crime Agency].

The prime minister said by selling a specially-designed watch inscribed with the Holy Kaaba’s model, gifted by the Saudi crown prince, Imran Khan had committed the “cheapest act”. He called for investigation to determine how Imran destroyed the economy and strained Pakistan’s ties with brotherly countries.

Shehbaz recalled that during the tenure of the previous government, Imran Khan got arrested even women politicians like Maryam Nawaz and Faryal Talpur. On the other hand, he gave an NRO [amnesty] to his own sister who had allegedly committed misdeclaration.

Imran Khan was also ungrateful to his benefactor, former chief of army staff Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, he said, adding that the new army chief was a professional soldier with a shining career. He hoped that Gen Asim Munir would strengthen the institution and serve the country.

Meanwhile, commenting on Sunday’s escalation on the Chaman border, Shahbaz said he would summon a meeting to review the situation. “The killing of the innocent people of Pakistan has been condemned. The government demands of the Afghan government to prevent such incidents which could hurt the bilateral ties.”

Speaking about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return to the country, Shehbaz said that three times former prime minister has millions of followers in Pakistan, and he will be back to the country very soon.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Another attempt by President Dr Arif Alvi to bridge the thorny gulf between the government and the opposition proved unproductive on Wednesday, and soon after meeting him Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar revealed that the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was ready to contest elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) if PTI Chairman Imran Khan dissolved the assemblies in both provinces.

In the fresh meeting, two senior ministers — Ayaz Sadiq and Azam Tarar called on President Alvi. Soon after the meeting, the president flew to Lahore to meet Mr Khan, indicating that either he went there to convey a message of the ruling coalition to his party chief or he may advise Mr Khan on dissolution of Punjab Assembly.

A press release issued by the presidency said: “Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Federal Minister for Law Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar called on President Dr Arif Alvi, at Aiwan-i-Sadr.”


Senator Tarar after the meeting said in a private TV channel’s talk show that the PDM was ready to take part in elections in Punjab and KP if Mr Khan dissolved both assemblies. “PDM is ready for elections in both provinces,” he said.

The minister said although it would be a new experience in Pakistan, in many countries elections of provincial assemblies did not take place simultaneously with the polls in the centre.

Responding to a question, the law minister said the president had given some suggestions regarding stabilising the crippling economy.

Before the Wednesday meeting, President Alvi had met Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in a bid to bring both sides [the government and the PTI] on table for formal talks on current political issues.

On the other hand, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said in a TV show that all meetings of the government representatives with President Alvi, including the one that took place on Wednesday, remained “futile” as the president has no authority to take any decision by his own for the party but Imran Khan.

It is believed that if Mr Khan dissolves the assemblies of Punjab and KP and manages to win elections of the two assemblies, then he will be in the better position to win next general elections to be held in October 2023.

The interior minister said: “The government, after thorough deliberations and considerations, has reached to a conclusion that it will vehemently contest elections in Punjab and KP, if both assemblies are dissolved.”

“We have decided that, if the two assemblies are dissolved, we will hold fresh elections there and, if PTI and its allied parties’ legislators resign, we will go for by elections on the vacant seats,” he added.

However, the minister believed that Mr Khan would not give any date of the near future for dissolution of the assemblies. “Now he [Imran] should not give dates, but dissolve both assemblies on Saturday,” he added.

‘Default soon if caretakers replace govt’

Rana Sanaullah said his party had gauged its weakness and would come up as the biggest party in Punjab in the elections, adding that Mr Khan would not get “facilitation” and support he had enjoyed in 2018 general elections and the recently held by-elections.

“We have suffered a big political loss by coming into power [eighth months ago] to save the country from being default. Now will gain and will tell people about lies, faulty economic policies and u-turns of Imran Khan,” he said, adding that “If we step down today and caretakers replace us, the country will default in three months,” he claimed.

The interior minister said PML-N self-exiled supremo Nawaz Sharif would return to the country and would lead his party’s election campaign during next general elections.

Answering a question, the minister said there was no pressure of Mr Khan on the government and the establishment regarding ‘invasion of Islamabad’ and ‘seeking date of elections’. “Now the establishment will not help Imran Khan to get date of new elections,” he added.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2022

 

[MenInG]

President Arif Alvi on Thursday said there was “no final word in politics” and “decisions needed to be made keeping in mind the wider interests of Pakistan” during a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi, a PML-Q stalwart, who reiterated his decision to back PTI chairman Imran Khan’s call for dissolving the provincial assembly.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Punjab CM’s son Moonis Elahi and MNA Hussain Elahi, Alvi emphasised that the country was “demanding unity, unanimity, and political tolerance from all of us”, a statement released by the Presidency read.

Alvi, who belongs to the PTI, has been making efforts to patch up matters between his party and the ruling coalition.

However, the parleys have been tempered by the backdrop of two sides publicly asserting polar opposite stances on snap polls.

During his huddle with PML-Q leaders in Lahore, Alvi said he was determined to “resolve matters amicably”.

He also hoped that “better pathways” would soon emerge for the country.
According to the statement, the leaders discussed the current political and economic situation of Pakistan along with “matters of mutual interest”.

They also deliberated on ways to improve the country’s economy.

CM Elahi briefed the president on the ongoing development projects in Punjab and expressed his resolve to provide relief to the people of the province, it added.
In a tweet after the meeting with President Alvi, Elahi reiterated that he owed the Punjab government to Imran and was standing with him.

A day earlier, the PTI chairman said he would announce the date for the dissolution of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies on December 17.

Well-placed sources told The Express Tribune that President Arif Alvi filled in the PTI chief on the series of meetings he held with members of the ruling PML-N.
However, the efforts have not yielded ‘any wins’ as both sides signalled their reluctance to concede their respective positions.

In a meeting with a PML-N delegation comprising Federal Minister Ayaz Sadiq and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Alvi was informed about the Centre’s take on the conditions set forth by the former prime minister.

Sources said the tete-a-tete with coalition government leaders at the President’s House lasted for 45 minutes, adding that matters pertaining to the economic and prevailing political situation of the country as well as legislative issues came under discussion.

It was agreed that discussions on issues related to the dissolution of assemblies or the completion of the term of government shall continue.

President Alvi has also held multiple rounds in Islamabad on issues related to elections, the economy and security with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

However, the discussions remained inconclusive as the government has refused to hold talks with strings attached.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

'PTI willing to play parliamentary role but govt not serious'
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says govt is not giving date for election so that PTI can return to Parliament

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the party is willing to play a parliamentary role, but that the government is not serious enough to make a commitment to it.

The remarks came in response to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's criticism of PTI Chairman Imran Khan during a gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 15th death anniversary of his mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

The foreign minister had asked Khan to return to Parliament as neither he nor his party “could bear” what’s coming to them.

Qureshi, in response, said that his party is ready to play a parliamentary role, but that the government isn't as it is not giving a date for general elections.

"The establishment is apolitical. How can we contact them?"

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1...y-role-playing-but-govt-not-serious-to-commit

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has invited Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to an all-parties conference (APC), summoned on February 7 to deliberate on national challenges, ARY News reported on Thursday.

According to details, the prime minister has summoned an all-parties conference (ACP) on February 7 in Islamabad to deliberate on national challenges, including economic crisis and rising terrorism.

PM Shehbaz has decided to gather leaders of all political parties of the country so they can join heads and figure ways out of the prevailing challenges. All political leaders have been formally invited to attend the conference.

 

[daytrader]

Terror surge provides govt opportunity to negotiate with arch-rivals

In a move that is being seen as a significant development amid rising political temperatures in the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday convened a multi-party conference (MPC) to discuss “important challenges” being faced by Pakistan.

According to an announcement by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the MPC will be held in Islamabad on Feb 7, for which an invitation has also been extended to PTI chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan.

The invitation to the PTI was formally delivered to party leaders Pervez Khattak and Asad Qaiser by former speaker and federal minister, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

The minister has also asked the PTI to nominate two representatives who would attend a meeting of the provincial apex committee, to be held in Peshawar today (Friday).

The committee, which was formed in 2015 following the Army Public School attack to oversee the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism, will meet at the Governor House and comprise all stakeholders, including law enforcement and intelligence officials.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1735074/t...ovt-opportunity-to-negotiate-with-arch-rivals

 

[daytrader]

PTI declines PM's invitation to attend apex committee meeting
Apex committee to discuss Peshawar Police Lines bomb attack, consider measures to eradicate terrorism

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday declined an invite from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to participate in the apex committee discussing the Peshawar mosque tragedy.

PTI Spokesperson Shaukat Yousafzai stated that the PTI leadership has decided that the party would not participate in the apex committee.

He added that the former ruling party was protesting the policies of the incumbent government and questioned how could they then participate in the committee.

The apex committee will meet today under the chairmanship of PM Shehbaz to discuss the terror incident that occurred at a Peshawar Mosque on Monday.

The committee will consider measures to eradicate terrorism, including the Counter-Terrorism Department and the up-gradation of police.

The premier had invited two representatives of the PTI to partake in the meeting, and federal minister Ayaz Sadiq had conveyed the PM’s message to PTI’s Asad Qaiser and Pervaiz Khattak.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir will also participate in the meeting. The chief ministers of the four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan and the prime minister of Azad Kashmir will also be present.

All stakeholders, including the police, rangers and senior officers of sensitive institutions are set to participate in the committee.

The News PK

 

[Major]

PTI declines PM's invitation to attend apex committee meeting
Apex committee to discuss Peshawar Police Lines bomb attack, consider measures to eradicate terrorism

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday declined an invite from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to participate in the apex committee discussing the Peshawar mosque tragedy.

PTI Spokesperson Shaukat Yousafzai stated that the PTI leadership has decided that the party would not participate in the apex committee.

He added that the former ruling party was protesting the policies of the incumbent government and questioned how could they then participate in the committee.

The apex committee will meet today under the chairmanship of PM Shehbaz to discuss the terror incident that occurred at a Peshawar Mosque on Monday.

The committee will consider measures to eradicate terrorism, including the Counter-Terrorism Department and the up-gradation of police.

The premier had invited two representatives of the PTI to partake in the meeting, and federal minister Ayaz Sadiq had conveyed the PM’s message to PTI’s Asad Qaiser and Pervaiz Khattak.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir will also participate in the meeting. The chief ministers of the four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan and the prime minister of Azad Kashmir will also be present.

All stakeholders, including the police, rangers and senior officers of sensitive institutions are set to participate in the committee.

The News PK

Pathetic.. Basically they will rather watch Pakistan burn if they dont get the govt

If ttp ends up doing an attack on them , then they will be crying

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Pathetic.. Basically they will rather watch Pakistan burn if they dont get the govt

If ttp ends up doing an attack on them , then they will be crying

Wait, you thought Pakistan was going to prosper after state backed PDM (consisting of parties with completely different ideologies) ousted PTI?

 

[the Great Khan]

Pathetic.. Basically they will rather watch Pakistan burn if they dont get the govt

If ttp ends up doing an attack on them , then they will be crying

Lol..what's pathetic is the current govt and its hypocritical supporters who took the nations mandate away and are now crying.. I thought they were competent?? Mnnh??..ab pata chalay gaa tum jaisoan ko..laaj ha twada...hun bughto...

By the way have yu bought the boat yet?

 

[Major]

Lol..what's pathetic is the current govt and its hypocritical supporters who took the nations mandate away and are now crying.. I thought they were competent?? Mnnh??..ab pata chalay gaa tum jaisoan ko..laaj ha twada...hun bughto...

By the way have yu bought the boat yet?

when there is a national issue like terrorism than all parties are required to sit together and discuss. Just like when under Imran the Abhinandan issue came up and he requested every party to come to NA for discussion. Similar way now terrorism is an issue.

Also, do check the ecp stats. majority of the seats were held by other parties, how can you say nations mandate was taken away when only 32% of the people voter for PTI. The rest of the seats were taken by the opposition.

lol tomr PTI comes up with 1% seat, you will call that the nations mandate.

Forget the boat, have you taken this weeks weekly pay from the welfare charities in Kent that you are aware about?

 

[insurge]

PDM arrests and tortures PTI leaders & supporters, and then next day asks them to come for talks. Complete clowns. PTI has always stated that as soon as PDM allows elections to happen they will come back and work with them. Why is PDM so stubborn? They would rather destroy the country than go to elections?

 

[wasim-fan]

when there is a national issue like terrorism than all parties are required to sit together and discuss. Just like when under Imran the Abhinandan issue came up and he requested every party to come to NA for discussion. Similar way now terrorism is an issue.

Also, do check the ecp stats. majority of the seats were held by other parties, how can you say nations mandate was taken away when only 32% of the people voter for PTI. The rest of the seats were taken by the opposition.

lol tomr PTI comes up with 1% seat, you will call that the nations mandate.

Forget the boat, have you taken this weeks weekly pay from the welfare charities in Kent that you are aware about?

Exactly. Shows how immature the party is. Strength is not always about stalling.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Pathetic.. Basically they will rather watch Pakistan burn if they dont get the govt

If ttp ends up doing an attack on them , then they will be crying

lol haha
What do you want PTI to do?

Wasn’t Imran Khan and PTI the sole cause of all whats wrong in Pak today.

Funny that the country was ruled over by PPP PML and the army for 70 years but it’s all the fault of PTI n IK, isn’t it?

Anyway, what you want?
Do you want IK to join PDM and ask the overseas to send money to Pak? But then you already said, that doesn’t help.

I think you should leave PTI alone and fix it the way you promised to the nation before toppling PTI.

I hope IK keeps that middle finger erect to reply to such invitations from the chores and swamp rats of PDM.

 

[Bewal Express]

Pathetic.. Basically they will rather watch Pakistan burn if they dont get the govt

If ttp ends up doing an attack on them , then they will be crying

Why do you need the PTI, you have the army, the mafia and all the powers that you need. Your torturing our workers, arresting our reps and then you ask us what we think about the terrorists. You are the terrorist,Why don't you get lost and solve the issues that you created.

 

[Bewal Express]

Exactly. Shows how immature the party is. Strength is not always about stalling.

Idiotic post. PTI workers are being tortured and murdered and you want us to sit down with our killers and the killers of Arshad Sharif, Nazim Jokhio, Dr Rizwan and many others. What do you need from the PTI. Own your ****, you created the mess, solve it.

 

[the Great Khan]

Exactly. Shows how immature the party is. Strength is not always about stalling.

Your the experienced ones..what's the matter..can't sort out your mess..clearly incompetent useless stupid and ignorant. Now you will reap what you sow..isn't that what you said about khan..ab maza ay ga tum logoan ko..but your such beghairats you'll never learn..look around..this is your tajarba..

 

[MenInG]

PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday blamed the government’s policy of political witch-hunt for his party’s decision to skip the all-party conference (APC), saying the federal government needed to clarify whether it wanted reconciliation or conflict before inviting them.

“Our party is ready for both reconciliation and conflict. Hence, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif needs to decide before inviting us, whether he wants to level allegations against us or extend an invitation with bona fide intentions,” the former foreign minister said while addressing a news conference.

“The prime minister needs to clarify that he wants to take political revenge or invite the PTI to participate in the APC, as right now, cases are being filed against our party leaders and [the government’s] political opponents are being jailed. Hence, two things are not possible at the same time,” he added.

 

[MenInG]

Former National Assembly speaker and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Asad Qaiser on Monday extended an olive branch to the government, saying the party is ready to set aside their differences for peace in the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, Qaiser urged the government to change its behavior to create a consensus on national issues.

"The country is going through serious crises, and the national unity is the need of the hour," he said, adding that the government would have to improve its behavior first.

He said that during PTI's tenure, the government evolved a better strategy and succeeded in restoring peace in the country. "Our strategy was in the best interest of the country,” he added.

To a question about the All Parties Conference (APC), the former NA speaker said that the government’s representatives made a telephone call to him on Sunday and extended a verbal invitation to the multi-party conference.

“It was not an appropriate way to invite anybody to the APC,” he said, adding, "National harmony in Pakistan is out of the question as the government shows unconstitutional behaviour."

Earlier, the PTI had decided against attending the all-parties huddle. On Friday, PTI Secretary General Asad Umar told media persons that Imran Khan will skip the meeting, saying "How can we sit with them while cases are being registered against us," he said while speaking to the media in Lahore.

“The Constitution is being violated by registering cases of treason against the opponents and all the government resources are devoted to arrests and detentions,” he added.

In a separate development, the government rescheduled the All Parties Conference (APC) in Islamabad for February 9. It was earlier scheduled for February 7 (Tuesday).

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a tweet that a joint strategy to combat terrorism and other challenges faced by the government will be discussed in the meeting.

The National Action Plan will also be reviewed, she tweeted. The minister added that the entire political and national leadership of the country has been invited to the moot.

BusinessRecorder

 

[Bewal Express]

The confused clowns want him to come talks and also want his arrested for trumped up charges.

 

[Bewal Express]

Pathetic.. Basically they will rather watch Pakistan burn if they dont get the govt

If ttp ends up doing an attack on them , then they will be crying

[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] So what happened to the APC? Can you update us? or are you going to run? Dont tell me that this "urgent meeting has been postponed again? Surely they had the 13 parties there, so whats the wait? You must feel such a clown falling for the pathetic antics of this circus

 

[MenInG]

Less than a week after the much-hyped Multi-Party Conference (MPC) was shelved, the Pakistan Peoples Party urged all political parties on Monday to sit together and devise a Code of Conduct (CoC) so that “we don’t cross the line while confronting each other” and thrash out a consensus to tackle the multiple crises afflicting the nation.

Although the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had refused to attend the MPC, which was to be held on Feb 7 and then put back to Feb 9, the PPP expressed willingness to invite all political forces, including the PTI, to the sitting.

At the same time, the government side has kept mum over cancellation of the MPC twice in a week and even the ruling allies, including the PPP, were unaware of the reasons behind the postponement.

DAWN

 

[the Great Khan]

Less than a week after the much-hyped Multi-Party Conference (MPC) was shelved, the Pakistan Peoples Party urged all political parties on Monday to sit together and devise a Code of Conduct (CoC) so that “we don’t cross the line while confronting each other” and thrash out a consensus to tackle the multiple crises afflicting the nation.

Although the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had refused to attend the MPC, which was to be held on Feb 7 and then put back to Feb 9, the PPP expressed willingness to invite all political forces, including the PTI, to the sitting.

At the same time, the government side has kept mum over cancellation of the MPC twice in a week and even the ruling allies, including the PPP, were unaware of the reasons behind the postponement.

DAWN

Haha..useless losers..they can't do anything. They should just ask Hafiz to do everything as he is an economist a politician scientist and rocket scientist all rolled into one.

 

[daytrader]

Amid unrest, Shehbaz offers to parley with Imran

Extending an olive branch to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan again, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasised that all political forces will have to sit for dialogue to rid the country of the ongoing political and economic crises.

He said the government would hold the general election on its scheduled time as per the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The prime minister said that the threat of Pakistan defaulting on its debt was now over as the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be finalised soon.

“All political forces will have to sit together to take the country forward,” the premier said while addressing a meeting held with a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) at the PM House.

PM Shehbaz lamented that he had invited PTI for talks on two occasions in the recent past, but the party did not turn up.

“Though politicians always resort to dialogue, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has a history of not responding positively in this regard,” he noted.

The prime minister said the country was facing serious political and economic challenges but stressed that all component parties of the Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDM) ruling coalition had contributed positively to improving the situation.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1742462/amid-unrest-shehbaz-offers-to-parley-with-imran

 

[MenInG]

Embattled PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday struck a reconciliatory tone, saying he was ready to “talk to anyone” and “render any sacrifice” for the sake of the country’s “uplift, interest and democracy” as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif again called for unity to tackle the challenges Pakistan faces.

The remarks by the two leaders come a day after PM Shehbaz extended an olive branch to the PTI chief, emphasising that all political forces would have to sit for dialogue to rid the country of the ongoing political and economic crises.

Imran, who has a number of cases against him, has been resisting arrest and is holed up inside his Zaman Park residence surrounded by thousands of supporters, who have fought “pitched battles” with the police and Rangers over the past few days.

“I will not refrain from any sacrifice for the sake of Pakistan’s uplift, interest and democracy,” Imran tweeted today. “In this regard, I am willing to talk to anyone and take every step towards it.”

DAWN

 

[DeadlyVenom]

As I said in the other thread. A deal will be done.

 

[daytrader]

PTI asks govt to give date, venue for talks

The PTI on Friday urged the coalition government to “give a date and venue” for a meeting that would bring together all political parties to the table, whereas the top regulatory body of lawyers said it was ready to mediate between the government and the opposition.

In a Twitter post, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar was giving statements every day to sit together and solve issues and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also asked for talks.

“Extend this process beyond statements and give a date and venue for the [political] parties to meet. Imran Khan has already favoured dialogues,” he tweeted.

Mr Chaudhry’s statement came a day after PTI Chairman Imran Khan struck a conciliatory tone, saying he was ready to “talk to anyone” and “render any sacrifice” for the country’s sake.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1742816/pti-asks-govt-to-give-date-venue-for-talks

 

[daytrader]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If anyone had any doubt, Imran Niazi's antics of the last few days have laid bare his fascist & militant tendencies. From using people as human shields to throwing petrol bombs at police to leading 'jathas' to intimidate judiciary, he has taken a leaf out of the RSS book.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1637037998771511296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[daytrader]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Another day in life of Pakistan has passed without catastrophe. Only Allah الحق be thanked.<br> الحمدللہ<br>Narrow escape. Any major accident could have happened.<br>Let all politicians, get together & get my country out of misery. This is our پاک country say لبیک <br>to درگزر امن اور سلامتی</p>— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1637079462603812864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has agreed to sit with rival political parties for the sake of “greater national consensus” on elections after a delegation of civil society members called on the former premier in a bid to defuse political tensions.

The delegation that desc*ribed itself as “mediators” managed to convince Imran Khan to participate in a proposed multi-party moot and said that other parties were also valid stakeholders in the political and electoral process.

Later, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry also confirmed this development. “The civil society has spoken to Imran Khan and he has agreed to be part of the multi-party conference (MPC) to develop a consensus on the elections date and the process that leads to polls,” he added.

“It was an intense debate with Imran Khan, who was first relentless in his well-known denunciatory tone for all stakeholders. He even demanded some confid*ence-building measures before agreeing to the MPC proposal,” explained one of the participants, who did not wish to be named as the process was still in the budding stage.


In meeting with civil society delegation, former PM demands confidence building measures from govt

However, the civil society representatives were able to press upon him in the next more than an hour of argum*ents that he was not the only stakeholder in the electoral process. In response to confidence-building measures, the representatives reminded the PTI chief that the civil society was only an “initiator and facilitator of political dialogue” and there was a need for the political parties to thrash out such issues.

During the meeting, it was pointed out that if political players were not ready to talk to each other and the military was “not ready to intervene in the political process”, then there was no way that things would move forward toward reconciliation. “Fortunately, Mr Khan agreed – for now at least,” the participant added.

A party insider explained the change of mood, if not heart, in these words: “The civil society initiative and its acceptance by Imran Khan has come after some of the [party] leaders realised that the current confrontational strategy had the former ruling party in a bind.”

The moderates in the party got in touch with the representatives of the civil society and pushed them to play role in reducing political tensions, the insider said, adding that the leaked call between President Arif Alvi and Dr Yasmin Rashid wherein Dr Rashid urged the president to play his part to defuse tensions, was one reflection of this realisation.

The proposed single-point agenda - elections - of the planned MPC suits Imran Khan as well: one of the reasons for his expressed readiness for the proposed moot after many such failed attempts in the past.

Imtiaz Alam, who spoke outside the residence of Imran Khan, claimed: “Imran Khan has clearly endorsed civil society’s appeal to all political parties to hold dialogue on the framework and timing of elections.”

According to Mr Alam, the former premier also agreed that the PTI would participate in the proposed all-party moot to reach a consensus on elections. He also emphasised the need for taking confidence-building measures -- as asked by Imran Khan -- to create a congenial atmosphere for talks. “As the ball to hold APC has been set into motion, other political leaders are being approached for their response for this one-agenda conference,” he added.

Pervaiz Khattak, former defence minister, also lent support to the proposal, when he spoke at Zaman Park. “We are ready to talk to everyone for elections. We are peaceful people, with only one demand: hold elections,” he said, adding that the PTI would talk to all parties.

Hussain Naqi, a veteran journalist and an active member of civil society, said that civil society “believes no one should be shunted out of politics” on any pretext.

“Imran Khan should be given full freedom for his politics, and so should other political parties. The ultimate power lies with the people of Pakistan and they must decide who rules the country. However, all parties should also play by the democratic rules of the game and shun violent behaviour,” he urged.

In a statement issued after the meeting, civil society representatives said that the Pakistan Bar Council has agreed to host the MPC if “major political parties respond to this call”.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2023

 

[Colorblind Genius]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Another day in life of Pakistan has passed without catastrophe. Only Allah الحق be thanked.<br> الحمدللہ<br>Narrow escape. Any major accident could have happened.<br>Let all politicians, get together & get my country out of misery. This is our پاک country say لبیک <br>to درگزر امن اور سلامتی</p>— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1637079462603812864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Allah - Rasool - Muhammad (saw) - labbaik - Alhamdolillah- mashallah- jazakkallah

… and then his wife’s name also pops up in the toshakhana case.

 

[MenInG]

Imran has offered to talk to the establishment, not govt’

In response to a question, Khawaja Asif stated that for the past year, the government had been trying to reach a consensus on economic policies but the offers were rejected.

“He has offered to talk to the military leadership several times, but not the political leadership. Despite the fact that the present government was willing to talk on so many occasions, Imran kept on insisting and went to the extent of trying to approach the present leadership of the Pakistan Army.”

Before that, Asif went on to say, the PTI chief approached former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa multiple times through the president and even offered him an extension.

“Despite all his claims, Imran has not materially offered anything to the present government for dialogue,” he pointed out.

Asif also said that the government was “ready to talk for the sake of peace in the country”, highlighting that consensus was needed on major issues that Pakistan has been facing for the last few years.

The minister elaborated that “we are not in favour of a transactional dialogue [but] need something which is comprehensive, which covers everything”.

 

[daytrader]

Govt talks offer to Imran mere eyewash
Now when the PTI is ready for talks with ruling PDM coalition, the latter is showing no keenness despite its public statements

ISLAMABAD: Now when the PTI is ready for talks with the ruling coalition, the latter is showing no keenness despite its public statements.

In his recent address to the Upper House, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for unity to tackle the challenges Pakistan faces. The same day Imran Khan in a tweet said that he was ready to “talk to anyone” and “render any sacrifice” for the sake of the country’s uplift, interest and democracy but nothing has moved on the ground as yet.

PTI senior leader and spokesman Fawad Chaudhry, when approached, confirmed to The News that no one from the government or the establishment had contacted Tehreek-e-Insaf for talks. He said that in a recent meeting with the delegation of journalist-dominated civil society, Imran Khan responded positively to attending an all parties conference that the civil society proposes to convene.

When asked if there is no pre-condition of the PTI attached for the talks, Fawad Chaudhry said the civil society’s APC agenda is to resolve conflicts surrounding elections.

In the backdrop of Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to delay the April elections in Punjab and hold the same on Oct 8, 2023, the law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar Thursday said the coalition government was ready to hold a grand political dialogue if the PTI Chairman Imran Khan showed his willingness to bring the political temperature down.

“Imran Khan should not pave the way for the third option and send two people from his side, while two people from the coalition government will sit together to discuss things,” he said while addressing a press conference here.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

Joint sitting takes up president, PM’s letters
Opposition senators under the leadership of Senator Dr Shehzad Waseem will also attend the joint sitting to put up PTI’s point of view on the issues

The joint sitting of two houses of Parliament will further discuss today (Monday) its agenda which includes respect for national institutions, law and order, economic policy, foreign policy, Jammu and Kashmir issue, China Pakistan Economic Corridor, climate change impacts and population explosion.

Well-placed parliamentary sources told The News here Sunday that ministers and MNAs will also take up the exchange of letters between President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Interestingly, opposition senators under the leadership of Senator Dr Shehzad Waseem will also attend the joint sitting to put up PTI’s point of view on the issues.

The PTI members for the first time would attend the parliament’s joint sitting after the ouster of their government in April last year.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1054433-joint-sitting-takes-up-president-pm-s-letters

 

[daytrader]

PTI lawmakers return to parliament with noisy protest

Ending almost a year-long boycott, opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) senators returned to the joint sitting of parliament on Monday with their signature noisy protest, causing disruptions to the proceedings as both the Senate opposition leader and a minister accused each other of causing chaos in the country.

For the first time since assuming the office in April last year, Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf was seen struggling in running the house smoothly as members from both sides continued sloganeering against each other despite warnings from the chair.

Speaker Ashraf on a couple of times was seen losing temper when he warned the opposition senators that they might also not be allowed to speak if they continued interrupting Minister for Communications Asad Mehmood’s speech. He taunted the PTI members by saying, “end your protest now as you have marked your attendance before someone”.

The PTI senators, carrying placards inscribed with anti-government slogans, gathered in front of the speaker’s dais and raised full-throated slogans soon after entering the hall and again when Mr Mehmood in his speech named the sons of Imran Khan, asking the PTI chief to bring them to the country and get them enrolled in some Madressah, if he really wanted to turn the country into a Madina-like state.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1744618/pti-lawmakers-return-to-parliament-with-noisy-protest

 

[daytrader]

‘Mediators’ invite warring parties for talks to end crises

Amid one of the worst political and judicial crises, a group of civil society organisations is making efforts to bring all warring political parties to the negotiating table.

The opposition PTI has expressed its willingness to attend their proposed multi-party conference (MPC) and support constitutional amendments relating to polls if elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are not possible within the constitutional time frame of 90 days due to the worsening security situation and financial constraints.

Separately, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has once again refused to sit with the government in a grand dialogue on various issues, including the economy and elections, and said his team, not he, might do so if the agenda is to hold elections alone.

Over 100 civil society organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Pakistan Federation of Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have sent invitation for the proposed MPC to Imran Khan, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

So far Mr Khan has given consent that his party will attend the conference the date of which has not been announced so far.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1745628/mediators-invite-warring-parties-for-talks-to-end-crises

 

[MenInG]

Amid one of the worst political and judicial crises, a group of civil society organisations is making efforts to bring all warring political parties to the negotiating table.

The opposition PTI has expressed its willingness to attend their proposed multi-party conference (MPC) and support constitutional amendments relating to polls if elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are not possible within the constitutional time frame of 90 days due to the worsening security situation and financial constraints.

Separately, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has once again refused to sit with the government in a grand dialogue on various issues, including the economy and elections, and said his team, not he, might do so if the agenda is to hold elections alone.

Over 100 civil society organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Pakistan Federation of Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have sent invitation for the proposed MPC to Imran Khan, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

The ruling coalition seems to be divided on holding talks with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to discuss elections, as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Friday urged all political parties to sit together to resolve contentious issues whereas Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have already rejected the idea of having a dialogue with Imran Khan-led party.

The ruling PML-N itself is split on the matter, with some of its leaders such as Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed asserting that they should talk to the PTI while some others such as Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah opposing the idea.

The PML-N and JUI-F have shown inflexibility for talks with the PTI at a time when the opposition party’s chairman Imran Khan has expressed willingness that not he but his party men could hold talks with the government on key national issues, including elections and crippling economy.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

The ruling coalition seems to be divided on holding talks with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to discuss elections, as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Friday urged all political parties to sit together to resolve contentious issues whereas Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have already rejected the idea of having a dialogue with Imran Khan-led party.

The ruling PML-N itself is split on the matter, with some of its leaders such as Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed asserting that they should talk to the PTI while some others such as Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah opposing the idea.

The PML-N and JUI-F have shown inflexibility for talks with the PTI at a time when the opposition party’s chairman Imran Khan has expressed willingness that not he but his party men could hold talks with the government on key national issues, including elections and crippling economy.

DAWN

There is nothing to talk about- hold the elections like they are legally mandated. These idiots are looking to waste time so that Isa gives a free pass to stop the elections in Sept.

 

[Browncaps]

A proven criminal rana who ordered the murder of PAT partys (pregnant) women in 2014 on live tv gets to abuse the judiciary and openly issue threats to judges and the biggest political party in the country and attacks them despite court orders not to do so.

 

[moghul]

Imran doesn't want to give any excuse to PDM to run away from elections but they wont let elections to be held at any cost , which could be their political death.

 

[daytrader]

Zardari holds out olive branch to Imran’s party
PPP co-chairman calls for ‘unconditional’ talks with PTI

Holding out an olive branch to the PTI, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to initiate ‘unconditional’ talks with the opposition, as "the door for talks should never be closed in politics".

"The prime minister has the authority to initiate talks. I will request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to hold talks with the opposition," Zardari said while addressing a joint session of parliament on Monday.

The PPP co-chairman, who served as the country's 11th president from 2008 to 2013, also advised the opposition, the PTI, not to set any preconditions for talks.

Zardari offer came as PTI senior leader Fawad Fawad Chaudhry had praised the PPP for passing a resolution stating that it did not want to become party to the campaign to malign judges and asserting that political parties did not block negotiations.

“The PTI is also for the holding of dialogues and wants that the establishment, government, and opposition should sit together, discuss and give space — while acknowledging the right of election,” Chaudhry had said while speaking at a news conference in Lahore last week, where he applauded what he called the “political acumen” demonstrated by Asif Ali Zardari’s party.

The former president said, the opposition will also have to sit down across the table with Shehbaz "as he is the prime minister of the country".

Referring to the legacy of his party, he said: "We have been protecting Pakistan and will continue to protect it in future. We will hand down an integrated and not disintegrated Pakistan to the next generation.

...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2411335/zardari-holds-out-olive-branch-to-imrans-party

 

[MenInG]

After Asif Zardari’s proposal that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif should initiate ‘unconditional’ talks with the opposition PTI, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday formed a three-member body to persuade allies in the government to start the process with the Imran-led party.

According to a PPP statement, Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani, Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar and PM’s Adviser on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira will “engage with allies in the coalition government to reach consensus on dialogue with all political parties”.


The main task of the three PPP leaders is to persuade the PML-N and JUI-F to hold talks with PTI on all issues, including elections, to end the ongoing crises.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Kaira said PPP is primarily concerned about “deadlock” among the political players.

Three-member body faces uphill task of persuading PML-N, JUI-F to sit down with opposition party

“First, we will speak to our allies and try to convince them on holding talks with the opposition. Once we succeed in it then we will talk to the PTI to respond to the government’s offer of dialogue,” Mr Kaira said.

When asked if PML-N was reluctant to sit with PTI, Mr Kaira said: “PM Shehbaz had earlier offered PTI chief Imran Khan to sign the charter of economy. It was because of Mr Khan’s response to that offer which made the PML-N leadership bitter.”

Asked if the establishment is playing any role to bring the government and opposition on the table, Mr Kaira said: “I would say that we don’t have the blessings of the establishment but every saner element would like to see dialogue between the government and the opposition so that the ongoing crises come to an end.”

However, the Sharifs do not want elections in Punjab on the Supreme Court’s order and therefore see no point in holding talks with PTI.

PPP’s senior leader from south Punjab Haider Zaman Qureshi told Dawn his party believes that if mandated it can play a positive role in convincing all players to sit together and sort out all thorny issues relating to elections and economy.

In a recent development, ousted prime minister Imran Khan has shunned his ‘hard stance’ of not sitting with what he calls “thieves”, saying he is willing to hold talks, including with the establishment, on the issue of elections.

It was after Mr Khan’s green signal that PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser declared his party was ready to go for a one-time constitutional amendment to hold polls in October, 2023.

“Imran Khan’s disqualification and return of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif and nothing short of it will be acceptable to us before polls. After that, doors to talks [with PTI] will be open,” a senior PML-N leader from Punjab told Dawn, requesting anonymity.

“Holding talks with Mr Khan means conceding to his demand for elections. Even in October [polls] do not suit us in the current scheme of things. So let the PTI wait for an appropriate time for talks.”

Federal Minister Javed Latif said: “How come we go into elections if our leader — Nawaz Sharif — is not allowed to return. There should be a level playing field for the elections and let him come before the polls,” said Mr Latif.

Talking to Dawn, senior analyst Dr Hasan Askari commented that Nawaz Sharif and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman have taken a “very hard line” of not sitting with PTI.

“The military and bureaucracy go by the book. They can’t negate the apex court’s order,” he pointed out, adding PM Shehbaz must be mindful of the fact that he might have to pay a heavy price for not complying with the SC’s decision to hold polls in Punjab next month.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2023

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Yousuf Raza Gillani on Friday said dialogue was the only solution to all the problems and crises faced by the country.


“An initiative, on the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, has been taken to bring all the political parties to the table,” he added.

Senator Gillani expressed his thoughts in a press conference after he met with Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Muhammad Hashim Notezai. Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira were also present on the occasion.

Gillani said the PPP strongly believed that the political forces could address all the challenges being faced by the county through democracy and reconciliation.

“After taking all the allies of the government, the PPP will approach the opposition parties for a meaningful dialogue,” he added.

Senator Gillani said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would also be taken into confidence on the matter.

Express Tribune

 

[the Great Khan]

Yes dialogue that decides an election date.

 

[daytrader]

PTI constitutes three-member committee for dialogue on political crisis

A day after Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq launched a “consensus offensive” aimed at bringing the government and opposition closer, the PTI on Sunday constituted a three-member committee to hold a dialogue “on the ongoing political crisis in the country”.

According to a statement issued today, PTI leaders Pervaiz Khattak, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed will hold a dialogue with Jamaat-e-Islami.

The development comes after the JI chief held meetings with PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at their residences in Lahore.

During the meetings on Saturday, Haq suggested that a committee should be set up to develop a larger consensus for holding elections in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtun*khwa and eventually the whole country.

Both PM Shehbaz and Imran appreciated Haq’s efforts and assured him of their full cooperation, agreeing that elections were the way forward to pull the country out of prevailing economic, political, and constitutional crises.

Sources in the JI told Dawn that as part of his efforts to bring all parties to the negotiating table, Haq also planned to meet PPP leader Asif Zardari after Eid and expected a breakthrough in the next two weeks.

Earlier this week, former president and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari also suggested all political parties sit together and develop a consensus on a single date for the elections.

For this purpose, the PPP has formed a three-member body — comprising Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani, Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar and PM’s Adviser on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira — to persuade allies in the government to start the process with the Imran-led party.

The main task of the three PPP leaders is to persuade the PML-N and JUI-F to hold talks with PTI on all issues, including elections, to end the ongoing crises.

In the last few days, emphasis has been given to dialogue between all the political parties in the country.

A Dawn editorial today said: “Sit at a table and talk. Break bread together; break the ice. That’s all that the nation needs its key leaders to do. The steep slope that this country has been hurtling down leads only to disaster. Much damage has already been done; there may not be much time left before an all-out catastrophe becomes imminent.”

It also stated that politics involved compromise, adding that “inflexible egos have no place in a democratic political system”.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq launched a “consensus offensive” on Saturday, holding meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PTI chief Imran Khan within a span of a few hours and reported “positive response” from both sides to his initiative, aimed at bringing the warring sides closer to holding talks on the issue of elections.

Mr Haq first called on PM Shehbaz, and later met Mr Khan at their residences in Model Town and Zaman Park, respectively, a JI press release said.

While party sources see the Zaman Park meeting as a major development on the way to prospective consultations among the two parties, Mr Khan said PTI is always ready for dialogue within the ambit of the Constitution, just not with the corrupt and looters of national wealth.

During their meeting, Mr Haq suggested a committee should be set up to develop a larger consensus for holding elections in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtun*khwa and eventually the whole country.

 

[Hextro]

Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq launched a “consensus offensive” on Saturday, holding meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PTI chief Imran Khan within a span of a few hours and reported “positive response” from both sides to his initiative, aimed at bringing the warring sides closer to holding talks on the issue of elections.

Mr Haq first called on PM Shehbaz, and later met Mr Khan at their residences in Model Town and Zaman Park, respectively, a JI press release said.

While party sources see the Zaman Park meeting as a major development on the way to prospective consultations among the two parties, Mr Khan said PTI is always ready for dialogue within the ambit of the Constitution, just not with the corrupt and looters of national wealth.

During their meeting, Mr Haq suggested a committee should be set up to develop a larger consensus for holding elections in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtun*khwa and eventually the whole country.

One would assume that It's in Shehbaz's best interests to not have elections under any circumstances. If he agrees to have elections then he must have something up his sleeves, PDM knows how disastrous it will be for them if they lose.

 

[the Great Khan]

One would assume that It's in Shehbaz's best interests to not have elections under any circumstances. If he agrees to have elections then he must have something up his sleeves, PDM knows how disastrous it will be for them if they lose.

The longer they leave it the worse it will get. Does he think he won't lose in the future..either way its bad. At least now with this chief in charge they may at least survive as an entity.

 

[daytrader]

Thaw in sight as PTI, ‘N’ opt for ‘indirect’ talks

• PML-N forms two-member panel, PTI tasks three-men team to kick off dialogue via Jamaat-i-Islami
• PTI leader says party favours negotiations in parliament, wants opposition leader’s slot back

LAHORE: After more than a year of simmering political tensions between the ruling coalition led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the opposition ******tan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), it seems the ice has started melting with both parties forming panels to engage in indirect dialogue.

The impasse between the two warring parties was broken by JI emir Sirajul Haq, who held separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PTI chief Imran Khan on Saturday and reported a “positive response” from both sides for holding talks on the issue of elections. Now, both parties — instead of engaging in a direct dialogue — will route their talks through the JI.

In a positive response to the ‘consensus offensive’ of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the PML-N tasked Ayaz Sadiq and Saad Rafique to hold talks while the PTI formed a three-member panel com*prising Pervez Khattak, Mehmoodur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry for the task.

Sources in PML-N said Mr Sadiq and Saad Rafique were given a go-ahead to approach the JI for talks. However, the PTI also reiterated its stance of seeking date for polls.

Senator Ejaz Chaudhry told Dawn that PTI had begun consultations to take all opposition parties into confidence over elections across the country. He said PTI has already had meetings with the JI, Tehreek-i-Labbaik ******tan (TLP), and the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA).

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1748098/thaw-in-sight-as-pti-n-opt-for-indirect-talks

 

[daytrader]

Talks should ensure institutions’ impartiality: Haq
Sirajul Haq says problems can only be solved by elections

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Sirajul Haq said on Tuesday his proposed talks among the political forces should ensure that judiciary, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the establishment remained neutral in the upcoming elections.

Addressing an Iftar-dinner in Taimargarh, Haq said that the country faced toxic political divisions amid constitutional and political crises, while the people suffer inflation and poverty.

“All these problems can only be solved by elections. We want general elections held simultaneously and the caretaker governments established at the Centre and in the provinces,” he said.

“Jamaat-e-Islami is calling on all the political parties for dialogue to achieve this goal,” he sain. "Discussions must ensure that the courts, the ECP and the establishment are impartial in the upcoming election, so that there is no chaos after the election,” he added.

The JI leader believed that there was no dearth of resources in the country, rather their unfair distribution was the real problem. “If usury-based economy and corruption are eliminated, the country will not need external loans,” he added.

“Governments are under the control of mafias, while oppressive feudal lords and corrupt capitalists rise to the assemblies. The people should raise their voice for their rights,” Haq told the gathering.

Haq further said that only Jamaat-e-Islami could establish a system of strict accountability. “The nation has seen the performance of other parties. Relying again on those who have been tried and tested before will not bring any improvement,” he said.

...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412749/talks-should-ensure-institutions-impartiality-haq

 

[daytrader]

Two camps emerge as coalition mulls talks with PTI

• PPP favours dialogue, JUI-F says no; Marriyum denies reports of ‘rift’
• Alliance resolves to stick to its guns over refusal to allocate funds for Punjab polls
• PM claims IMF deal in ‘final phase’, praises army chief and others for their efforts

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the heads of ruling parties summoned by the prime minister to evolve a consensus on the issue of holding a dialogue with the PTI has seemingly split the alliance into two camps.

One side, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is said to be favouring of talks with the opposition party on the issue of national importance, whereas the JUI-F and Jamhoori Watan Party strongly oppose to the idea. The overtly hawkish PML-N, however, says it is “still holding consultations” regarding talks with the opposition.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, however, continued to blame the PTI chairman for a stalemate in the dialogue process. Speak*ing to journalist Talat Hussain, he said the former premier had categorically rejected their offer for dialogue in the past.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1748455/two-camps-emerge-as-coalition-mulls-talks-with-pti