ISLAMABAD: The second round of dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the coalition government is underway for the second consecutive day. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf demanded dissolution of the National Assembly so that elections should be held on the same day.
The coalition government side includes Kishwar Zehra, Yousuf Raza Gillani, Naveed Qamar, Azam Nazir Tarar, Tariq Bashir Cheema, and Ishaq Dar, while the PTI delegation consists of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry, and Barrister Ali Zafar.
Earlier today, PTI chief Imran Khan instructed Qureshi and Fawad to only negotiate with the government if they are willing to dissolve the National Assembly. He emphasized the importance of elections being held, stating that “If elections are not held [in Punjab] on May 14, it means the Constitution has been torn apart.”
In the first round of dialogues, both the sides discussed the options with their respective leadership. The PTI presented three demands before the government delegation: firstly, the national and provincial assemblies should be dissolved in May this year, and for extending polls beyond May 14, an amendment should be made to the Constitution. Secondly, then PTI’s resignations will have to be called back if the government decides to amend the Constitution. Lastly, elections should be conducted in July throughout the country.
During an informal discussion with journalists at the Islamabad High Court, the PTI chief stressed that the Constitution is supreme, not the Parliament. He also stated that the “ball” was now in the government’s court regarding the matter of elections. The talks were initiated following the Supreme Court’s orders, and both sides are hoping to come to a resolution.
