PTI forms three-member committee for political dialogue

LAHORE: A day after Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir Sirajul Haq launched a fresh bid to initiate talks between the government and the opposition, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday constituted a three-member committee to hold a dialogue “on the ongoing political crisis in the country,” ARY News reported.

According to a statement issued today, the three-member committee includes Pervaiz Khattak, Ejaz Chaudhary and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed.

The development comes after the JI chief held meetings with PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at their residences in Lahore with an agenda to bring the government and opposition closer and end the ongoing political crisis.

Sirajul Haq along with a three-member delegation held separate meetings with PM Shehbaz Sharif and Imran Khan and urged both parties to sit on the negotiation table.

During the meeting with the prime minister, the current political situation in the country and the judicial crisis were discussed. The leaders agreed that issues should be resolved with collective wisdom.

On the occasion, Sirajul Haq said that the political situation could only be resolved by sitting together and resolving issues politically.

“The country cannot afford any uncertainty at this time and holding elections at the same time is better for the country,” he said. Meanwhile, Imran Khan agreed to continue future contacts after Eidul Fitr.

PPP starts grand dialogue

Recently, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had formed a committee to engage with allies in the coalition government to reach a consensus on dialogue with all political parties.

The three-member committee includes former premier Yousaf Raza Gillani, Federal Minister Syed Naveed Qamar and SAPM Qamar Zaman Kaira.

The development came after former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari urged Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif to hold talks with opposition party – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying that the nation cannot afford any odd situation.

“I will request PM Shehbaz Sharif to hold talks with the opposition and set no conditions before they begin talks,” Asif Zardari had said while addressing the Convention on the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the 1973 Constitution on Monday.