ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai for direct talks amid efforts to open a channel of political dialogue with the opposition.
A source close to the prime minister confirmed that Shehbaz had extended the invitation, but said no response had been received from Achakzai so far.
A PTI spokesperson also confirmed that the opposition leader had received the invitation.
The latest move came shortly after the opposition postponed its planned long march towards Islamabad by a week, reducing the immediate pressure around the protest. The PTI has now scheduled the march for October 4.
Earlier Invitation Over CEC Appointment
The prime minister had already invited Achakzai on September 11 for consultations on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner (CEC). The invitation followed an earlier call from National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for the government and opposition to engage in consultations.
The government and opposition had subsequently begun contacts to arrange a meeting between Shehbaz and Achakzai. The appointment of the new CEC and two Election Commission members from Sindh and Balochistan was identified as an immediate issue for discussion.
Under the constitutional procedure, the prime minister and opposition leader consult each other on the appointment of the chief election commissioner. If they fail to reach consensus, each side forwards three names to a parliamentary committee for consideration.
PM Currently in New York
Prime Minister Shehbaz is currently in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He addressed the General Assembly on Friday and discussed regional conflicts, economic challenges and other international issues.
The prime minister is expected to return to Pakistan after completing his engagements in the United States.
The latest invitation to Achakzai comes as political tensions remain high over the PTI’s planned march and the government’s preparations for possible protests.
Achakzai has yet to publicly respond to the latest invitation.
The proposed direct talks could provide another channel for communication between the government and opposition as both sides face pressure to address their political differences through dialogue.
