'Accepting PTI resignations will create atmosphere for mid-term elections'

Opposition jirga warns govt against accepting resignations submitted by Imran Khan's party

ISLAMABAD: The opposition jirga has warned the government against accepting resignations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) members, saying it would  not result in the end of the current stalemate and will, in fact, defer the matter further.

Following a meeting on Wednesday, the head of the opposition jirga, Jamat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq, and Pakistan Peoples Party leader Senator Rehman Malik addressed the media, during which they made the appeal to the government.

Haq said that with the acceptance of the resignations, the government will create an atmosphere for mid-term elections and this time, most of the responsibility will fall on the government.

He further added that negotiations should take place between the government and the PTI as that is only option that remains.

The JI chief was also against the creation of several provinces as proposed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and said that the decision would be unwise.

Meanwhile, Malik also advised that the government to make efforts to initiate negotiations with the PTI and if it refuses to, it provide a reason as to why.

The former interior minister said he envisioned bloodshed in the country in the coming few days during the month of Muharram and appealed to the government and intelligence agencies to move forward and enhance their role.