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  • Jul 4th, 2014
  • Comments Off on Prime Minister takes stock as threats to system grow
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has decided to convene a meeting of top leadership of political parties next week to discuss the role of undemocratic forces in "these testing times" and from a 'democratic front' in defence of the existing system, it is learnt. According to sources, after this meeting, the Prime Minister will also hold a one-on-one meeting with former President and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, to discuss the present political situation and the threat of a 'long march' on 14 August by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Sources added that the Prime Minister wants to sit with Zardari and the leadership of other political parties to garner support for PML-N government and solicit an assurance that they will not join anti-government forces. The prime Minister also plans to discuss issues relating to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with the country's political leadership.

The sources said the leaderships of opposition parties including Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), and Awami National Party (ANP), are likely to participate in the meeting. They said the leadership of PTI is unlikely to participate in the meeting unless its demand for a vote recount in four constituencies is met. The leadership of Balochistan National Party (BNP) may also refuse to attend the meeting.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sources revealed to this correspondent that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to visit Sindh to extend a personal invitation to the PPP leadership. The sources added that the political instability in the country has compelled Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to seek support from Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

When contacted Pakistan People's party (PPP) Spokesperson, Senator Farhatullah Babar told Business Recorder that the PPP would not become a part of any conspiracy to derail democracy. He said the PPP would accept the invitation for strengthening democracy in the country.

Answering a question, he said that Imran Khan has not unveiled a clear and succinct agenda of his 'million march'. "We can not support the PTI's long march as long as it does not make the agenda of long march clear," Babar added. Answering another question, Babar said that the issue of elections can be resolved in Parliament and the National Assembly has already authorised the Speaker to constitute a Parliamentary Committed for electoral reforms.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2014


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