ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit the chamber of Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Friday, a move seen as setting a new parliamentary precedent. Speaking in Geo News programme hosted by Hamid Mir, Capital Talk, on Wednesday, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed the planned visit. The minister said Rana Sanaullah was playing a key role in facilitating the meeting.
Speaking in Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada kay Sath, PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan confirmed the meeting between the PM and the opposition leader, but said date was not fixed. The meeting could be held after February 8, he added.
The PM is expected to congratulate Achakzai on his new role following the disqualification of Omar Ayub Khan. The visit is anticipated to mark the beginning of a fresh working relationship between the government and the opposition.
Chaudhry emphasized government’s readiness for dialogue, stating that the issues raised by the opposition could be resolved through discussion. He stressed that the PM believes in political engagement as differences with the opposition are purely political, not personal.
The minister said issues, including the matter of meeting with Imran Khan, will see an improvement. The ice is melting, and matters will move towards an amicable resolution. Imran Khan is in complete good health, he added.
“The nation does not want to see chaos or confrontation in parliament,” Chaudhry said, adding that all political forces must unite on matters of national interest. He said the PM’s meeting with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister was also positive, adding the PM had directed action on Sohail Afridi’s legitimate demands.
Tariq Fazal said that it was not necessary for the 28th Amendment to be introduced before the budget, and certain points settled in the 27th Amendment but not agreed to by the PPP remain pending.He said, “We have not called for an NFC Award review, but suggested the four provinces share a small portion (of funds) for defence.”
