Govt, PPP seek to address differences

ISLAMABAD:

The government and the PPP held an important meeting at the chamber of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday to discuss the parliamentary affairs, the upcoming session and differences between the two coalition partners, including concerns raised by the PPP.

The meeting came amid intensified political contacts between the two parties over the past few days as they seek to resolve their differences through dialogue and maintain cooperation on parliamentary matters.

The talks also followed Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah's assurance a day earlier that the PPP's concerns would be addressed.

The PPP delegation comprised former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Farooq H Naek and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab. The government team included Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.

According to sources, the participants discussed bilateral matters between the government and the PPP, legislation in Parliament, the upcoming parliamentary session and the prevailing political situation.

The PPP's concerns were also taken up during the meeting.

Political contacts between the two coalition partners have intensified in recent days amid differences and reservations over certain matters. The talks are aimed at resolving the outstanding issues through negotiations and ensuring continued cooperation in parliamentary affairs.

PPP leaders said meetings at the speaker's chamber were regularly held regarding parliamentary sessions.

As the current parliamentary session is also approaching its conclusion, they said consultation on various parliamentary and bilateral matters was necessary.

Sherry Rehman said differences existed between the two parties on certain issues and that this was no secret, but added that the matters of disagreement had also been discussed during the meeting.

Farooq H Naek said the meeting was cordial, adding it was held in a good atmosphere and that "everything is fine".

According to sources, the meeting also discussed further improving coordination between the government and the PPP and resolving their differences through dialogue.

Both sides stressed the need to take parliamentary matters forward through mutual understanding and consultation.

NA speaker sees improvement in quorum

Later, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the government had realised the seriousness of the quorum issue and expressed hope that attendance in the House would improve amid recent disruptions caused by a shortage of lawmakers.

The speaker said ministers had informed him that the matter had been taken up with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had taken notice of the situation and directed the ministers to ensure the quorum.