ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser has expressed his party’s willingness to consider a constitutional amendment for one-time extension in the election date as he called on the government to publicly announce its readiness to engage in negotiations with the PTI.
He was of the view that by making amendment in the constitution, adjustments in the election schedule beyond the 90-day requirement under the law could be legalised. We want the government to sit for talks on elections and “we are also ready for a constitutional amendment, but for one time, the elections can be extended beyond 90 days”. What more flexibility can we offer?” he said in an interview with a private TV channel.
Govt to make a move for talks: PTI leader
Former speaker national assembly said it was the responsibility of the government to officially make a move for talks and the Prime Minister must announce that they want to hold talks. “Then we will sit and settle the issues together… this is the need of the hour that political leadership talks things out.” The prospect of negotiations between the federal government and the opposition were hinted at two weeks ago, after both PM Shehbaz and PTI chief Imran Khan showed some flexibility in their stance towards talks on political issues.
Khan had said he was ready to talk to everyone except the “looters and thieves” and took to twitter to say that he would not shy away from any sacrifice for the country and promotion of democracy. “In this context, I am ready to take every step forward and talk to anyone,” Khan had stated.
Khan’s offer for talks had come a day after the premier extended an olive branch to the PTI chairman, emphasising that all the political forces would have to sit for dialogue to get the country out of the ongoing economic and political crises.
As part of his push for negotiations, Asad Qaiser asserted that his party was ready to confront any obstacle that may come in the way, but highlighted the importance of prioritising the country and its citizens.
He also criticised the government’s “confrontational approach” and stressed the need for a constructive dialogue. He also highlighted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s willingness to support a constitutional amendment for the poll date extension, saying it demonstrated the party’s commitment to a fair and transparent election process.
