“We will definitely talk. But for that we need to have a formal offer,” PML-N spokesperson Senator Mushahidullah Khan told The Express Tribune.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, in his inaugural address to the National Assembly, had invited the opposition to participate in a dialogue. But for the PML-N, this wasn’t enough. “So far it is just a vague offer,” Mushahidullah said.
The party spokesperson added, “We are ready to discuss issues including a caretaker set-up, the appointment of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and holding early elections.”
The CEC post has been vacant since the retirement of Justice (retd) Hamid Ali Mirza and currently, Justice Shakirullah Jan, a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, is the acting commissioner.
After the retirement of Mirza in March, former premier Gilani had initiated the process of consultation with Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. However, the PML-N did not agree with the nominations.
Responding to a question, Mushahidullah, being mindful of what happened with the former chief executive, said that his party would adopt the constitutional and legal approach even if Premier Ashraf is disqualified as well.
The spokesperson said that if the newly elected prime minister is found guilty of contempt of court, his party’s offer would not stand.
Earlier, the Supreme Court disqualified former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani for committing contempt of court. Gilani had refused to write a letter to Swiss authorities for reviving graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Mushahidullah also emphasised that his party was eager over talks on a caretaker set-up because “Prime Minister Ashraf will not be able to bring any change given the past four years of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) rule.”
Published in The Express Tribune, 25th, 2012.
COMMENTS (10)
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@Kaleem. They make millions everyday because one is control of the federal government and the other is in control of Punjab government. If you want me to give you examples of their corruption i can give you a long list but i will make it short as it will take me a week to write them down. Punjab Government: Sastti Roti, Laptop Scheme, Yellow Cab Scheme, Bahria Town development in Muree. Federal Governemnt. RPP's, Benizer Income Support Program, Steel Mill, PIA, Pakistan Railways. So please people open your eyes and see what is happening. They both are in it together.
Noora Kushti - they don't stand for public interest but both parties are extending their interests. They have not delivered.
The only mature and sensible party in Pakistan. PML-N all the way
@Khan of Cape Town, this has now become routine for us to accuse people for corruption. Please explain how PML-N is earning millions with each passing day, will appreciate if you can give some evidences as well.
With each passing day, both these parties are earning in millions. Why should they go for early elections.
The only democratic way to get the country out of this turmoil is holding general elections.
What a drama at the part of PML-N
Seems a plausible stance.
This is a good sign and should be appreciated. Both sides should diffuse the tension and go in for negotiations as early as possible, if nothing at least it makes the PPP look willing to 'reconcile' and show less rigidity over issues as it previously has with the SC.
Does this formal offer require a cheque or do you take cash only?