ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, said on Thursday that they are ready for negotiations with the government if it is serious about the dialogue.
During a media interaction at the Parliament House, he stated in categorical terms that if the government wanted to remain in Parliament, it should facilitate their meeting with the incarcerated founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan.
He also emphasised that they would return to the parliamentary standing committees if they manage to secure a meeting with the jailed former prime minister. He recalled that before the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a meeting with Imran Khan was held on a court order.
Regarding reports, particularly on social media, he alleged that confusion was being deliberately created about PTI founder’s health to create differences within the party.
Allama Raja Nasir said they want a government that is truly representative of the people.
“I support Mohsin Naqvi’s talk of collapsing the system, as the disease identified by him is correct, but the medicine prescribed is illegal.”
He claimed to understand why the talks between the government and PTI had failed. He said they had gone to the jailed leader with a comprehensive plan for negotiations and had held their own prior meeting at the KP House. “We went to the PTI founder with some suggestions; we do not want to go to the Prime Minister’s House and provide legal justification for his position,” he remarked.
The opposition leader said this was the reason for not holding negotiations in the Speaker’s Office either, as they do not consider him legal either.
As regards reports of differences within PTI ranks, the opposition leader said he understands the difference between the founder, PTI, and the party, but reiterated that they would never abandon him.
Regarding media persons, he said the opposition would continue to raise its voice for their genuine problems both inside and outside Parliament.
