A political committee formed by the government to hold talks with the opposition parties over JUI-F-sponsored Azadi March called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday, a private TV channel reported.
Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak, who heads the committee, told the prime minister that the opposition stands by its agreement with government. Apprising the prime minister about the progress in talks, he said the committee is in constant touch with the opposition parties.
The prime minister said his government will also abide by the agreement if the opposition stands by it, adding that action will be taken against the opposition if the agreement is violated. He also directed the committee to ensure that citizens of Islamabad do not face problems due to the Azadi March.
The prime minister had set up a seven-member committee under Khattak to persuade Maulana Fazlur Rehman to cancel his Azadi March that is scheduled to enter Islamabad today.
Maulana, backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan People’s Party, had authorised the opposition’s Rahbar Committee to hold talks with the government. He, however, started his march from Karachi on October 27 that has now left Lahore for Islamabad.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and exchanged views on the current political scenario and parliamentary affairs.
During the meeting, Asad Qaiser briefed the prime minister over the status of parliamentary diplomacy on Kashmir and role of the parliament in lawmaking. He also apprised him regarding contacts with the opposition leadership.
Qaiser said the committee members are in talks with the opposition members as government wants to resolve issues through dialogues. “However, we have sent a clear message to the opposition that the government will not make any compromise over law and order situation,” he added.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his satisfaction over contacts with the opposition leaders. He also praised the parliamentary role of Speaker Asad Qaiser.
