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

[daytrader]

Federal Minister Javed Latif on Wednesday said that talks can be held amongst the genuine political parties but not with the person who is responsible for anarchy and stoking moral decline in the society.

Taking at the floor of the National Assembly (NA), he regretted that PTI chairman Imran Khan was granted bails while sitting at home, while the PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who made the country a nuclear power and gave the CPEC and eliminated terrorism, was forced to live in exile.

He said that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had been banned from politics for ten years which was totally injustice. In past, he had been exiled forcefully from Pakistan by Gen. Musharaf, he told.

The minister also strongly opposed the dialogue with the PTI leader Imran Khan, stating that it cannot be done with “terrorist”, corrupt and morally sick minded leader, quoted the state news agency.

ARY

 

[the Great Khan]

Federal Minister Javed Latif on Wednesday said that talks can be held amongst the genuine political parties but not with the person who is responsible for anarchy and stoking moral decline in the society.

Taking at the floor of the National Assembly (NA), he regretted that PTI chairman Imran Khan was granted bails while sitting at home, while the PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who made the country a nuclear power and gave the CPEC and eliminated terrorism, was forced to live in exile.

He said that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had been banned from politics for ten years which was totally injustice. In past, he had been exiled forcefully from Pakistan by Gen. Musharaf, he told.

The minister also strongly opposed the dialogue with the PTI leader Imran Khan, stating that it cannot be done with “terrorist”, corrupt and morally sick minded leader, quoted the state news agency.

ARY

Further torpedoeing any hopes of salvaging this jungli political gang. Quite clear there are now numerous factions in this gang.

 

[Bewal Express]

Federal Minister Javed Latif on Wednesday said that talks can be held amongst the genuine political parties but not with the person who is responsible for anarchy and stoking moral decline in the society.

Taking at the floor of the National Assembly (NA), he regretted that PTI chairman Imran Khan was granted bails while sitting at home, while the PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who made the country a nuclear power and gave the CPEC and eliminated terrorism, was forced to live in exile.

He said that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had been banned from politics for ten years which was totally injustice. In past, he had been exiled forcefully from Pakistan by Gen. Musharaf, he told.

The minister also strongly opposed the dialogue with the PTI leader Imran Khan, stating that it cannot be done with “terrorist”, corrupt and morally sick minded leader, quoted the state news agency.

ARY

NS lied to live in exile. He has been everywhere except PK.

 

[MenInG]

The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday adjourned the hearing of a petition seeking to hold general elections to all the national and provincial assemblies simultaneously till April 27 after being told that a meeting had been scheduled between the government and the PTI for April 26.

Earlier today, the top court had given the federal coalition and the PTI until 4pm to sit together and develop a consensus on elections in the country. At the same time, it also asserted that it would not go back on its order fixing May 14 as the date for elections to the Punjab Assembly.

The directives were issued by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar.

During today’s hearing, the coalition parties told the court that a dialogue with the opposition was planned after Eid, but Justice Bandial instructed the government to hold the talks today.

 

[MenInG]

Parties in the ruling coalition have rejected the apex court order calling on political parties to reach a consensus on a date for polls in light of its order to conduct elections in Punjab on May 14, saying that talks with the PTI could not be held under the court’s watch.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chair*man Bilawal Bhutto-Zar*dari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Faz*lur Rehman, who also heads the Pakistan Democratic Movement, termed dialogue between political forces as mandated by the court “talks at gunpoint”.

Addressing a press conference, the PPP chairperson said, “The heads of all coalition parties, including myself, disagree with the Supreme Court’s order regarding talks under the court’s supervision and consider the order as conducting of talks with a gun to [our] heads.”

In a reference to the ongoing push within the ruling coalition to hold talks with the PTI, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said he was hopeful that he would be able to convince the ruling allies for talks with the opposition, but the top court’s intervention made his job to forge consensus among allies harder.

“Yes, there is a difference of opinion among ruling parties on negotiation with PTI, I am trying to create consensus but the court order has made my job more difficult,” he added.

In response to a question regarding the top court order for polls in Punjab on May 14, the PPP chief quipped, “Only three people in the country believed that elections should be held on May 14…and that the condition of 90 days for holding elections does not apply to polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

The PPP leader urged the apex court to respect parliament and said that it was the responsibility of political forces to ensure honour of the apex court, “But we will not compromise on the prestige of parliament,” he added.

The PPP chief said that the government believed that the decision to hold polls on May 14 in Punjab was a minority decision and dubbed it a “decision at gunpoint”. Speaking about talks, he said talks between political parties should be held within parliament, not through any other institutions.

No talks with Imran

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan who was bent on creating hurdles for the country.

Addressing a press conference in Dera Ismail Khan, the JUI-F chief wondered how a dialogue could be held with a person who said that he would accept the elections only after getting a two-thirds majority in parliament. He alleged that the PTI chief wanted things to get done according to his wishes as he had already said that he would dissolve the assemblies even if he got a simple majority.

He regretted that Imran Khan, who should have been disqualified by now, was being made the centre of national politics. “Why did Imran Khan dissolve the assemblies? If they are disbanded deliberately, then it is stupid and he should be kept out of politics. He is incompetent and we consider him incompetent,” the JUI-F leader thundered.

He asked that if holding elections within 90 days was a constitutional obligation then how it was possible that a date given by the PTI chief after the stipulated time could be acceptable. He said that there was a time when decisions used to be implemented through guns and now the decisions were being imposed through a hammer of court and the government was forced to hold talks with a person who did not have any regard for the national interest and integrity.

On the other hand, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was earlier in favour of direct dialogue, took a new turn and said talks could only be held with the government under the watch of the SC.

PM slams SC order

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif slammed the Supreme Court’s order to stop the enforcement of a proposed law that regulated the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan.

Addressing a ceremony held to mark the launch of the Constitution app in the capital, the premier said that there was no example in the world where a law that had not even taken its applicable shape was suspended by a court.

“The judiciary can interpret the Constitution that is their right, but the judiciary cannot rewrite the Constitution as this is only parliament’s authority,” he added. The premier went on to say that the “parliament will use its constitutional and legal rights on this” matter. “It is expected from the judiciary, the Supreme Court bench and bar that they will become the Constitution’s protector,” he said.

“Without delving into any political conversation, I want to say that we are undivided on this that indisputably, we won’t hesitate for a moment to sacrifice our political assets to save the state.”

Later, speaking to Shahzeb Khanzada of Geo News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the government had reached out to the PTI for talks and an “understanding” had been reached that the two sides would again touch base on April 26.

“This is the position of talks,” he said.

“As a representative of my institution, on its behalf, I am telling you that we have to protect our turf. We will not take dictation from any other constitutional institution. We will not give the money [for conducting polls] because parliament has refused to do so, which is its right under the Constitution,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2023

 

[MenInG]

Overcoming internal rifts, the ruling PML-N on Saturday moved to initiate contacts with its arch-rival -- the PTI -- a day after the Supreme Court afforded a temporary respite to the country’s main political parties, giving them a week to develop a consensus on the date for elections in the country.

 

[MenInG]

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Amid the call for talks among politicians, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday said that the Supreme Court rather than “uniting” is “pressurising” politicians to unite.

The JUI-F chief’s statement comes as the ruling alliance attempts to convince Fazl to hold talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan. The push also comes after the Supreme Court asked the government to hold talks with the PTI chief on elections.

“We do not agree with the reasoning and philosophy being given for holding talks with Imran Khan right now,” Fazl told Geo News. He also wondered why the government should “bow down” to the PTI chief and hold talks with “someone who bankrupted the country”.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) president also asked the Supreme Court not to disrespect the Parliament’s resolution regarding the release of funds for the Punjab elections. He also asked the politicians to tell the Supreme Court, respectfully, that they do trust them.

“It is a matter of concern and shock that the Supreme Court is completely divided today. Supreme Court rather than uniting is pressurising politicians to unite,” said the JUI-F chief. He also asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) not to show any weakness in court.

In the recently held fiery press conference against the Supreme Court, the JUI-F chief had said that he stands by every word he said.

JUI-F chief summons emergency meeting
Meanwhile, the JUI-F chief has summoned an important emergency meeting of his party’s central committee on April 26. The meeting may last three to four days.

According to JUI-F spokesman Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, the primary focus of the meeting would be a detailed consideration of the current political situation, specifically the judicial crisis.

The meeting aims to determine the party’s position in light of the current situation in the country. In addition, the peace and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas merger areas would also be discussed. The meeting would also include planning for the upcoming national and provincial assembly elections.

Geo

 

[Bewal Express]

Nothing to talk about, just hold the elections. The SC is there yo interpret the law and hold people to account for not following instructions. The SC has made the decision but weak in getting it enforced

 

[daytrader]

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan claimed on Sunday that the federal coalition was using negotiations with the opposition to delay elections, revealing that the government had not yet formally reached out to his party for a dialogue.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court (SC) — while hearing a case pertaining to holding elections across the country on the same day — had given all the major political parties a week to develop a consensus on the date for polls to the provincial and national assemblies.

However, the ruling parties had rejected the apex court order, saying that talks with the PTI could not be held under the court’s watch. PPP Chair*man Bilawal Bhutto-Zar*dari and JUI-F chief Maulana Faz*lur Rehman — who also heads the Pakistan Democratic Movement — had termed dialogue between political forces as mandated by the court “talks at gunpoint”.

The PTI and ruling parties have been in an impasse regarding polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab — where assemblies were dissolved earlier this year. The PTI is determined to hold polls to the provincial legislatures but the government maintains its stance on simultaneous elections across the country.

In an interview with anchorperson Maria Memon on ARY News today, Imran said that he had given the mandate for talks with the government to PTI Central Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

“No one from the PDM has formally approached us yet,” the PTI chief said. “I fear they are using these negotiations to delay elections. They are just buying time so that elections can be delayed beyond October.”

He asserted that the PTI was adamant about holding elections in Punjab referring to the SC’s April 4 order in which the apex court had directed the government to hold polls in the province on May 14.

“Talks can be held if they have a proposal on joint elections,” Imran told Memon. “If they give an SC-endorsed proposal on joint and immediate polls — by dissolving their governments in May — only then we can talk.

“But if they are leaving it open-ended, then it is nothing but a trap,” he said.

Talking about conditions put forward by the PTI, Imran said that the biggest condition he had was for the current caretaker setups to be removed. “These setups have become unconstitutional now and we want genuine caretaker governments to be brought.”

Bemoaning the “atrocities” faced by PTI supporters, the former premier lashed out at the caretaker Punjab government as he recalled the police operation at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore. He also claimed that the setup was fully aiding PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz.

He further said that if his party came to power again, he would primarily focus on establishing the rule of law and rebuilding Pakistan but at the same time contended that the PDM’s fascist actions on PTI supporters, such as the death of Zille Shah, were unforgivable.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

‘Imran never refused to hold talks on polls’
PTI central president claims Imran never refused to negotiations for polls

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Central President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has slammed the government for portraying a “wrong image” of Chairman Imran Khan, saying that the former prime minister never refused to negotiations on elections.

The PTI stalwart also expressed his astonishment at Pakistan Democratic Movement President Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying that the JUI-F chief was in a hurry to hold elections when the PTI was in power, but today he was leading a campaign against them. “Tell me, isn’t this an open contradiction?” Elahi asked while speaking to the media after offering Eid prayers at Kunjah House, Gujrat.

Former federal minister Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and other family members, including Rasikh Elahi, accompanied him. Zulfiqar Ali Ghumman, Sheikh Shahkaz Aslam, Shujahat Nawaz Ajnala, Meher Kashif and other leaders were also present.

Elahi said, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s news conference against the chief justice, all superior judges, and Imran Khan is extremely irresponsible and unacceptable. I am surprised that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was the one who was in a hurry for [holding] the election, but today, he is the one leading the campaign against the election.”

Elahi said that the PML-N did not get candidates for the ticket in Punjab so they boycotted the election on the same pretext to remove their fear.

“The boycott of the PML-N has not made any difference to Imran Khan, nor will it. The election defeat of the PML-N in Punjab is carved in stone.”

He said the matter of election was constitutional and it would be solved constitutionally. The PTI central president claimed that there was no way out without negotiations while “political negotiations can also be held within the constitutional limits”.

Elahi said, “We pray that there will be a way out of this and a fair and transparent election [will be held].”

He said the Supreme Court clarified the constitutional limits of negotiations in its order. “The Supreme Court has given the last chance to the government, further disobedience will result in disqualification.”

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

Despite efforts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the ruling coalition to convince Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s party to become part of a potential dialogue with the PTI, the JUI-F continues to oppose the move.

Almost all parties in the ruling coalition have shown an inclination to end the political impasse by entering into negotiations with the PTI, but Dawn has learned that JUI-F is proving to be a tougher nut to crack in spite of efforts, particularly by the PPP leadership.

Another round of intra-coalition talks will be held on Wednesday (today), as confirmed by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

The meeting, to be chaired by PM Shehbaz, would discuss the possibility of talks with the opposition PTI, the Supreme Court verdict, and the date of the Punjab polls set by the top court.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1749371/despite-allies-insistence-jui-f-averse-to-talks

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said “arbitration” was not the Supreme Court’s (SC) job and such matters should be discussed in parliament, asserting that the federal coalition was united on its stance that polls should be held across the country on the same day.

The premier passed these remarks while addressing the federal cabinet hours after holding an important meeting with coalition partners to discuss the possibility of talks with the opposition PTI and the date of the Punjab polls set by the top court.

The meeting was attended by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Foreign Minister and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other important members of the federal coalition.

It was held ahead of the SC’s April 26 deadline for the political parties to hold talks and evolve a consensus on the date for elections to the provincial and national assemblies. The apex court will resume hearing the case tomorrow (Thursday).

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan has formed a three-member committee to hold a dialogue with the government over the issue of elections and other relevant matters.

The three-member panel comprises PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, vice president Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Barrister Ali Zafar.

It is pertinent to mention that the Supreme Court has directed the political parties to hold a dialogue in a bid to reach a consensus on the date of elections in the country.

 

[MenInG]

Members of the ruling coalition and opposition PTI will resume talks on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tomorrow (Friday), following the initiation of dialogue at the Parliament House today.

Representatives from both sides met inside Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani’s chamber on Thursday evening to begin the negotiations, a Dawn.com correspondent confirmed, saying that the talks concluded after more than an hour.

The negotiations have taken place while a written order is awaited by the Supreme Court regarding elections in Punjab and KP — an issue on which there has been a weeks-long impasse between the ruling coalition, the opposition and the higher judiciary.

PPP’s Yousaf Raza Gilani, who participated in the negotiations from the government’s side, said while speaking to the media that the talks would be resumed tomorrow at 3pm at the Parliament House, during which the PTI would present its demands.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: After a year of bitter political rivalry, representatives of the coalition government and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) finally met face to face on Thursday in a bid to break the stalemate that has lingered on following the successful no-confidence motion against former prime minister Imran Khan in April last year.

The huddle, being dubbed an icebreaker, was held at Parliament House hours after proceedings of the case pertaining to the delay in polls, being heard by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court. A day earlier, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani had made efforts to bring the opposition party to the table for a dialogue with the government at the request of the federal government.

The PTI delegation included Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry, and Senator Ali Zafar whereas the government was represented by PML-N’s Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and PPP leaders Yousuf Raza Gilani and Naveed Qamar.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced that his party will not be a part of dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to evolve consensus on election date.

The announcement was made following an emergency meeting of the party as the government and opposition kicked off talks in Senate over the date of elections.

"We will not be a part of the negotiations, even in the Senate. We stand by our position," Fazl said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday.

He said that his party has taken a position that the matter should be handled by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which should exercise its powers.

 

[Major]

haan bhai, another u turn, why you sitting with the chors

 

[MenInG]

haan bhai, another u turn, why you sitting with the chors

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said on Friday that negotiations with the government will only go forward if they are willing to dissolve the National Assembly and hold elections forthwith.

The PTI chief made these remarks as he spoke informally with journalists ahead of his hearing at the Islamabad High Court (HC) where he was seeking protective bail in a sedition case.


A day earlier, after months of political bickering, the ruling coalition and PTI leaders sat across the table for talks -- the first formal interaction since the removal of former prime minister Imran Khan through a vote of no-confidence in April last year.

Notably, the talks rekindled hopes for breaking the ongoing political and constitutional impasse in the country.

Today, while sitting next to two of the three members representing the PTI in the negotiations, Fawad Chaudhry and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Imran said that, "I have told both of them to only go forward with the talks if the government is willing to dissolve the assembly immediately and hold elections."

"If they bring up [holding elections in] September or October again, then there is no need [for negotiations]," he said, maintaining that now "the ball is in the government's court".

"If they want to hold elections on the same date, then they should," said Imran as he urged the government heed to the PTI's demand for dissolving the assembly.

Imran also denied his party's involvement in any attempts to sabotage the talks saying "there was no such statement from our side".

When asked by a journalist if there was a chance the PTI might return to the national and provincial assemblies and end their boycott, Imran retorted if there even was a Constitution in place.

"They [the rival parties] want to break the Constitution but we stand by it," he continued, "we are standing by rule of law and they are committing contempt of court".

Imran stressed that "if elections are not held on May 14, then it would be a breach of the Constitution", fearing that if that were to happen then "whoever is powerful will have their way".

The PTI chief also censured former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa for having "imposed a band of thieves" on the country.

He also spoke of a controversy initiated after a journalist made revelations concerning Gen Bajwa's off-record claims of Pakistan's unpreparedness in combat.

"I know more things than that, but this is a national security issue," said Imran.

"I don't want any international news to be made that would harm the country," he added.

 

[daytrader]

Neither willing to budge as govt-PTI talks enter next round

• Both sides exchange proposals, ‘final round’ slated for May 2
• Dar denies deadlock in dialogue, Qureshi claims ‘appropriate progress’
• Imran says no need to proceed with talks if govt insists on polls after August

ISLAMABAD: With both the coalition government and opposition PTI claiming progress in crucial talks to break deadlock over the timing of elections, the two sides on Friday decided to hold what one minister called the “almost final round” of parleys on May 2 (Tuesday).

Representatives of the government and opposition exchanged proposals during the second round of talks held in the Committee Room No 3 at the Parliament House.

Though the development has generated some optimism, the dialogue process still appears to be fraught with the possibility of failure as important figures from both sides in their remarks stuck to their guns and questioned the utility of negotiations if one side does not agree with the other’s suggestion.

Informed sources told Dawn that PTI insisted on a date for dissolution of the National Assembly prior to the presentation of budget to “reduce political tension”.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, PPP Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani and Kishwar Zehra of MQM-P took part in the negotiations from the government side, while PTI was represented by party Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Barrister Ali Zafar.

While talking to the media, Mr Dar denied any deadlock in the parleys and said the two sides had tabled their proposals, which would be put before the government and PTI leadership.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1749901/neither-willing-to-budge-as-govt-pti-talks-enter-next-round

 

[daytrader]

haan bhai, another u turn, why you sitting with the chors

To put them at ease. They're afraid of what IK will do to them once he's back in power

 

[MenInG]

Fawad Chaudhry, the spokesperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Saturday announced that the former ruling party has decided to continue negotiations with the government regarding the framework for elections within the bounds of the Constitution.

Fawad, taking to Twitter, stated that the PTI is committed to upholding the orders of the Supreme Court and rejecting any attempts to "sabotage the talks."

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday presided over a meeting at his residence with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders to chalk out his party’s position for the next round of talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) discussion slated for Tuesday.

Despite a botched raid at PTI President Parvez Elahi’s residence that drew condemnation from left, right and centre, PTI chief Imran Khan has announced that his party would attend the next meeting, kindling hopes of a political breakthrough.

Imran reiterated his demand of either dissolving the remaining assemblies before May 14—a date set by the apex court for holding elections for the Punjab Assembly— to send the country towards simultaneous elections.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

Strategy in place if talks with government fail, says Fawad

PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said on Sunday that his party wanted negotiations with the government — on the impasse on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — to be successful but at the same time contended that it had a “strategy” in place if the talks failed.

“PTI wants the success of negotiations [with the government], but it has formulated a strategy in case of failure,” the former minister tweeted.

“It is not possible for the PTI to sit silently if the Constitution is considered as a piece of garbage and the public as insects,” he said, calling on the people to prepare for a “movement”.

“The movement is starting tomorrow with rallies in Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, culminating into a historic long march,” Fawad added.

Talks between the government and the PTI commenced earlier this week on advice of the Supreme Court. The development was seen as a breakthrough in the weeks-long deadlock on elections between the ruling coalition and the opposition.

After two rounds of talks, the parties are now expected to hold the final round of negotiations on May 2.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1750130/strategy-in-place-if-talks-with-government-fail-says-fawad

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice-President Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday announced that the party will hold rallies starting from May 1 if the negotiations with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government fail.

Taking to Twitter, Chaudhry said that the PTI wants the negotiations to succeed, however, it has formulated a strategy in case the talks with the ruling coalition do not bear fruit.

He said that the rallies will begin in Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar under the leadership of party chairman Imran Khan, asking the supporters to get ready for the "major movement".

GEO

 

[daytrader]

Rulers term PTI chief’s demands ‘impractical’

• PML-N leader warns Imran will be ‘ultimate loser’ if negotiations fail
• PPP optimistic about outcome of dialogue, hopes better sense will prevail
• Fawad says strategy in place in case of talks failure

LAHORE: After PTI chief Imran Khan demanded the dissolution of the National Assembly by May 14 to pave the way for a successful outcome of talks, the federal coalition termed his ultimatum ‘imp*racticable’ and asked him to be more flexible for the success of this dialogue bet*ween the government and the opposition.

Ahead of the third round of talks between the PML-N-led federal coalition and the PTI scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow), the PML-N warned that Mr Khan’s party will be the “ultimate loser” if the negotiations failed — the general elections may be “delayed for a year under a constitutional provision”.

Reacting to Mr Khan’s demand to dissolve the National Assembly by May 14 to go into polls on the same day, PML-N Secretary General and Federal Minister for Development Ahsan Iqbal said: “We want to tell Imran Khan that he cannot hold talks at gunpoint. The first condition of talks is, there are no pre-conditions. Mr Khan is so desperate that he wants his way or the highway.”

In a conversation with Dawn on Sunday, Mr Iqbal said the federal coalition parties sat with the PTI with an ‘open mind’; however, if Imran Khan continued to stick to his demand for the dissolution of assemblies (National, Sindh and Balochistan) by May 14, then this was not acceptable to the federal coalition.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1750272/rulers-term-pti-chiefs-demands-impractical

 

[MenInG]

As the government and the opposition are set to enter the final round of election talks, PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday wondered why PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif and Javed Latif were becoming a hindrance in the ongoing dialogue.

His remarks come hours after PML-N’s Javed Latif expressed his disapproval towards the government-PTI dialogue, saying that talks should never be held with “terrorists” and those who “want to destroy national institutions”.

Talks between the government and the PTI commenced last week on the advice of the Supreme Court, bringing an end to a long-time deadlock. After two rounds of talks, the parties are now expected to hold the final round of negotiations tomorrow (Tuesday).

However, cha*nces that the dialogue will yield positive results are starting to look “very slim” as PTI Chairman Imran Khan has demanded the dissolution of the National Assembly by May 14 to pave the way for a successful outcome of talks.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz’s (PML-N) senior leader Javed Latif objected on Monday to the ongoing negotiations between the ruling coalition and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and said that talks were not possible with “terrorists” and "those who weaken institutions".

The remarks by the PML-N leader come as after months of political bickering the ruling coalition and PTI leaders sat across the table for talks last week that rekindled hopes for breaking the ongoing political and constitutional impasse in the country.

In the first formal interaction since the removal of former prime minister Imran Khan from power through a vote of no-confidence in April last year, leaders of the coalition parties and the PTI met at the Parliament House.

Both sides contemplated on developing a consensus on simultaneously holding general elections across the country.

 

[Bewal Express]

A total waste of time, and why the hell are SC sanctioning this rubbish. The constitution is clear, so why aren't they doing all the Generals and their puppets. CJP takes 2 steps forward and 3 back. CJP you aren't a rajnama massi, your the chief. Act like one

 

[daytrader]

IMRAN KHAN SAYS ‘READY FOR SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS IF ASSEMBLIES DISSOLVE TOMORROW’

Former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has said that they are ready for simultaneous elections if the government dissolves assemblies tomorrow, ARY News reported on Monday.

While addressing the PTI’s public rally on Labour Day in Lahore, Imran Khan announced that his political party is ready for simultaneous elections if the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government dissolves the assemblies tomorrow.

“The government should confirm the dissolution of assemblies before May 14 in the next round of talks. We are ready for elections on the same day if assemblies dissolve tomorrow.”

ARY

 

[the Great Khan]

Rumours are a date has been agreed but some rogue elements decided to raid Chaudhry sahibs house. Could be a June date. Sticking point is the budget..pmln want to go out on a high with a budget but PTI are playing hard ball.

 

[MenInG]

Members of the ruling coalition and opposition PTI concluded the third round of crucial election talks at the Parliament House on Tuesday, with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar from the government’s negotiating team saying that a consensus was reached on holding elections on the same day across the country under a caretaker setup.

Separately, PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi also confirmed this development, saying that they had “shown flexibility for the sake of national consensus”. But, he also announced that the PTI would approach the Supreme Court, brief it on the negotiations and request for elections in Punjab to be held on May 14.

Speaking to the media after today’s meeting, Dar said, “There was no longer any confusion about whether there should be separate elections in one or two provinces […] and the two sides have agreed that holding elections in the country on the same day was for the betterment.”

He added that another positive outcome of the talks was that elections would be held under caretaker setups.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) reiterated on Wednesday his party’s stance that political issues must be resolved through dialogue, while remaining within the ambit of the law and the Constitution.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, the minister held the view that elections should be conducted on the same day across the country, and said that it would be in the best interests of the nation.

The minister took strong exception to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition in the Supreme Court, saying that the move gave the impression that the apex court was standing by the party.

"The PTI thinks that the judiciary is favouring it," Qamar said. "Why go to the Supreme Court in the middle of the ongoing negotiations with the government?" the minister wondered.

Recalling the recent talks held with the PTI on the issue of removing misgivings on the upcoming elections in the country, the minister claimed that positive progress was made on various points raised by both sides.

"We want to resolve the issues amicably with the PTI, we desire success and progress on this front. The ruling collation shows all the flexibility that is needed as well as their respect for the Constitution," he added.

 

[daytrader]

Polarised politics are tearing Pakistan apart

The stakes have never been higher in Pakistan.

Its economy is on the brink, society is politically polarised, millions are still recovering from last year's devastating floods, terrorist attacks are increasing and, as inflation soars ever higher, many are struggling to feed themselves and their children.

While the country suffers, politicians and institutions have been pulled into a power struggle over who should run Pakistan.

Despite the hours of air time, ferociously delivered ultimatums and street stand-offs, Pakistan seems no closer to answering that question than it was a year ago.

"What makes this current situation unprecedented is the backdrop of other serious crisis," says Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center.

"Pakistan doesn't have the luxury of saying this political crisis is a distraction, eventually we'll get back to where things need to be."

Pakistan's economy is struggling. Its foreign reserves, which pay for imports including fuel, have plummeted to one of the lowest levels in decades. Meetings with the International Monetary Fund earlier this year are yet to result in a deal to unlock $1.1bn in crucial funds.

Meanwhile militants continue to launch attacks, often targeting security forces. Pakistan's armed forces recently said there had been 436 terror attacks so far in 2023. And militant groups regularly release infographics showing the number they claim to have killed or injured, and the arms they've seized around the country.

Add to this the ever-climbing food inflation, plus the fact that Pakistan is still recovering from the damage done by last year's floods before this year's rains begin again - and there is no shortage of big questions politicians need to answer.

"Political uncertainty is making things even more difficult for the entire system," says Mehmal Sarfraz, a political analyst. "The system is collapsing in Pakistan. If that happens, it won't benefit anyone - neither the political parties or the people of Pakistan."

...
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65462347

 

[daytrader]

Apex court to issue ‘appropriate order’ on single-day polls

• CJP says court has kept cool as ‘justice can’t be dispensed in rage’
• Coalition tells court willing to continue talks with PTI
• Qureshi says no way out, terms govt ‘inflexible’

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial cautioned on Friday that the court was exercising restraint and that no one should “misunderstand our intentions” but insisted that an “appropriate order” would be issued in the election schedule case.

Though Justice Bandial did not me*ntion or explain what he meant by this, his remarks apparently came against the backdrop of recent anti-judiciary rhetoric by several cabinet members.

“We are also willing to make sacrifices when people are giving sacrifices due to security issues,” he said. “We have kept our cool and chose not to respond to anything since justice cannot be dispensed in rage.”

The chief justice was heading a three-judge bench that had taken up a petition on simultaneous elections to the National and four provincial assemblies on the same date.

As the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition expre*ssed its willingness before the court that it was ready to sit and continue negotiations again, PTI’s Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he saw nothing coming out of the negotiations.

“I regret to say that I am surprised the way our parliamentarians are hurling abuses at the Constitution and the court,” he said, mentioning how even his own party members questioned his loyalty when he earlier agreed to give a break of three days to the PDM during negotiations.

Mr Qureshi also accused the gover*nment of pushing the country tow*ards a constitutional crisis and showing no flexibility during the negotiations.

The CJP, however, closed Friday’s proceedings with an observation that an appropriate order would be issued on single-day polls but said the court would take up the matter of its April 4 Punjab polls order in a different hearing.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1751182/apex-court-to-issue-appropriate-order-on-single-day-polls

 

[MenInG]

After the Supreme Court’s hearing, a debate has started as to why the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has straightaway refused to negotiate further with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government regarding the holding of general elections of all assemblies on one date despite Federal Minister for Railways Saad Rafique's offer.

Even after the hearing, one section within the PTI was also surprised by Shah Mahmood Qureshi's refusal of further negotiation.

Surprisingly, the three-judge bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial did not urge the PTI leader to take one more chance at negotiation as Rafique had told the bench that it was just a difference of days or weeks between the government and the PTI regarding the fixation of date to hold all assemblies’ elections. Rafique said that he had a middle way in his mind for the settlement but the same could not be revealed in the open court.

Sources in the PTI told The Express Tribune that PTI Chairman Imran Khan is unwilling to allow the federal government to continue till July. Presently, it seems that Imran is more interested in the implementation of the April 4 order regarding the holding elections of the Punjab Assembly on May 14.

Talking to media persons, he made it clear that if the state institutions do not comply with the court order, then they would be on the streets. However, it is debatable as to whether the chief justice and his like-minded judges will pass coercive orders against the government authorities in case they show reluctance in the implementation of the April 4 order.

During Friday’s hearing, the chief justice was wondering why the government did not file a review petition against the April 4 order. He notes that the government is not interested in law but in politics.

The chief justice; however, said that the Constitution would be interpreted in the public interest. He, however, questioned the locus standi of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to file a review petition.

Despite the observations, there is an issue of trust deficit between the government and one section of judges. Even Rafique had complained about the apex court’s conduct toward the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) since 2017.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a senior PTI lawyer questioned why Imran should show flexibility when the government is not taking any confidence-building measures.

He also said that unfortunately, they have shown no flexibility and no confidence-building measures. Stuck on a 4-3 judgment and dissolution post-budget, trade policy, etc., he added.

The trial court has also expedited the proceedings in Toshakhana case wherein Imran may be disqualified before elections.

Currently, the relationship between the establishment and Imran is not cordial as the latter wants the judiciary to take a stand against powerful circles.

Although CJP Bandial said that there are other constitutional provisions that are yet to be invoked as they are showing restraint. He, however, said that all executive authorities are bound to implement the court's order, adding that if Almighty Allah has ordained that they should pass through a test then they are ready to face the consequences.

These remarks suggest that CJP Bandial is aware that enforcement of such judicial order will be a big challenge at the time wherein the establishment is taking a stand with the civilian government. Although the chief justice agrees with Rafique regarding the implications of holding the Punjab Assembly elections on the smaller provinces.

All eyes are on CJP Bandial as to how he secures the top court which is facing a severe crisis. Lawyers also believe that saving the judiciary is more important than anything else.

Petitioner counsel Shah Khawar had suggested to the bench that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Imran Khan should attend the dialogue via video-link. However, judges were not keen to entertain this suggestion. It seems that they were sitting with a pre-determined mind, and that is why the CJP said that now they would take up other issues.

The written order of Friday’s hearing is still awaited.

SC needs to realise that political stability is required in the country which cannot come through holding elections before finalising rules of business during negotiation.

A senior lawyer says that the PDM government wants to build a narrative against the judiciary in the next elections. Now it is up to SC whether it makes the government successful in its objective.

 

[MenInG]

A day after the civil and military leadership of the country stressed the need for a political dialogue over confrontation to resolve differences, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday said that there is “no possibility of negotiations in the presence of internal conflict and state efforts to crush the country's largest political party by force”.

Reacting to the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held on Tuesday, the PTI, however, said that it values the recommendation of the committee of a solution through negotiation in the light of democratic values instead of confronting political differences.

The party also stated that it emphasises the need to consider the issue of applying military laws against the civilian population of the country and staying within the limits of the constitution.