Alvi remains hopeful of govt-PTI talks’ success

In huddle with president, Punjab CM reiterates his decision to back Imran’s call for dissolving provincial assembly

LAHORE:

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.