The opposition on Thursday said it is ready to restart talks with the government on national issues, while the ruling coalition questioned the seriousness and trustworthiness of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its founder, Imran Khan, over negotiations.
Speaking to a private news channel, TTAP Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said the opposition wants dialogue with the government on key national matters. He clarified that no talks are currently underway to appoint a new chief election commissioner, even though the term of the current official has ended.
He said the opposition wants the restoration of the 1973 Constitution and believes the 2018 and 2024 general elections were controversial.
Khokhar said the opposition welcomed the prime minister’s offer for talks after consulting its allied parties. He added that both the government and opposition could form committees to move the dialogue forward.
Separately, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said Pakistan is facing serious challenges and economic pressure.
He said the country cannot move forward without free and fair elections and stressed that people’s right to vote must be respected.
Qaiser said the opposition did not set any conditions for talks but shared an agenda that includes constitutional supremacy, rule of law, and acceptance of the public mandate.
He added that the opposition would first judge how serious the government is, saying it is the government’s responsibility to show flexibility.
