JI chief steps in to break political impasse

A major thaw in political tensions was witnessed on Saturday after the ruling coalition and the opposition PTI expressed their willingness to hold talks with each other “within the framework of the Constitution” following their separate meetings with the Jamaat-e-Islami chief during the day.

JI chief Sirajul Haq called on PTI chairman and former premier Imran Khan at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore. He was accompanied by JI deputy chief Liaquat Baloch and Central Secretary General Amirul Azeem.

Also in attendance at the huddle were PTI Central Vice President Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Senator Shibli Faraz and Political Affairs Assistant Hafiz Farhat Abbas.

In January this year, the PTI chief had dissolved both the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies in a bid to force the incumbent government to hold snap elections.

However, the current rulers have been reluctant to cave in to the former ruling party’s demand.

During the meeting, Siraj advised Imran to hold talks with the government. He suggested forming a committee to forge a “broad consensus” for holding the elections.

The PTI chief welcomed the proposal and agreed to negotiate with the government “within the framework and limits of the Constitution”.

The JI chief expressed his opinion that elections in the country should be held at the same time. “[The] political situation has to be resolved politically because Pakistan cannot afford any uncertainty,” he added.

Both the parties also discussed matters of mutual interest and agreed to remain in touch in the coming days.

However, PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry negating the impression of any breakthrough between the government and opposition, termed the efforts by the JI and others nothing but a move for “media consumption” only.

He added that talks between his party and those in power -- irrespective of whoever sat among them, and at a time when PTI leaders were being arrested left and right -- seemed pretty pointless as the intent of the government was very clear by the virtue of its actions.

He maintained that elections within 90 days was not a matter of choice but a constitutional compulsion, and any talks, which did not have polls at the core of their agenda, were pointless to begin with.

He continued that the PTI would complete its ticket distribution process by the 18th of the current month after which its candidates would launch their election campaigns.

Earlier in the day, the JI chief met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with his party delegation in the provincial capital of Punjab. During the meeting with the premier, the JI delegation discussed the political and judicial crises in the country with him.

PM Shehbaz also said negotiations with Imran would be held “within the framework of the Constitution”. Both the sides in principle agreed to resolve issues with “collective wisdom”.

Later, a 35-member delegation of clerics, led by Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Hamid Raza, met the PTI chief at his  Zaman Park residence. They condemned the “malicious and immoral campaign” launched by the coalition government against the opposition.

They also expressed “deep concern” over the “state-sponsored” activities of banned outfits. Speaking on the occasion, the PTI chief appreciated the services of the religious leaders and underscored the role of clerics in dealing with challenges including extremism and sectarianism.