Political issues must be resolved through dialogue: Barrister Ali Saif

Senate panel assures bridging gaps between oppressed segments and the govt

ISLAMABAD: There is a need to remove class-related deprivations amongst the public but it must be done so through dialogue.

This was stated by Muttahida Qaumi Movement Senator Barrister Ali Saif, the convener of a special committee of the Senate on National Unity and Harmony. The committee met at the Parliament House on Thursday.

During the meeting, Barrister Saif called upon members of the upper house to perform their constitutional and legal responsibilities and ensure that political issues are resolved through dialogue and negotiations.

He also welcomed a delegation comprising of representatives from the Pushtun Tahaffuz Movement led by a member of the national assembly from North Waziristan, Mohsin Dawar.

Barrister Saif said that the upper house realized the class difference and economic injustices faced by different segments of the society and that it was for this particular reason that the Senate had formed the special committee.

The committee, he hoped, would play the role of a bridge between the oppressed masses and the government.

Barrister Saif assured the delegation that the committee will take all possible measures to address the reservations of PTM.

Other committee members also stressed on a peaceful resolution to the issues highlighted by the movement and said that parliament was an empowered institution and that all disputes could be resolved through the parliamentary passage.

We have made a good start and the Upper House will raise its voice on the issue. However, there is a need for a roadmap so that we can formulate solid recommendations and implement them, members said.

The PTM delegation said that they trust the parliament and share the belief that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve political issues.

Members of the PTM delegation elaborated on their list demands and called for a resolution of the issue of missing persons, terrorism cases filed against PTM members, illegal arrests and placing names PTM members on the exit control list (ECL).  They also called upon the committee to play an effective role in getting their issues resolved from the concerned departments of the government.

The committee’s chairman asked the PTM to provide details relating to the missing people, cases lodged against them, arrests of members and ECL listings so that the committee can negotiate with the concerned authorities.

The PTM delegation assured the committee that details will be provided within a few days.

The delegation added that the PTM will form a team which will remain in touch with the committee and the names of members in this committee will be provided soon. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2019.