No political prisoner in country at present: Irfan Siddiqui
PTI senator puts forward conditions for talks with govt,
ISLAMABAD,Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) in the Senate Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui on Friday said there was no political prisoner in the country at present while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder was behind the bars for being convicted in various cases.
Taking part in the debate on the presidential address in the Upper House, Senator Siddiqui said in past the PML-N leadership had to face imprisonment in fake cases, but its government did not want to pursue the politics of revenge.
He extended an olive branch to the opposition parties, saying that if the PTI could hold negotiations with its traditional political rivals then why it could not sit on the table with the government for the sake of the country.
“The opposition should hold talks with the treasury benches for resolving critical issues and crises of the country. It should pinpoint problems and issues of national interest , and also suggest their solutions. At the same, they should bear criticism with open hearts as it is part of debate and discourse and political norms,” he added.
Senator Siddiqui condemned intimidation of the judiciary in the past and also in the prevailing time.
He felicitated Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani on assuming the office, hoping that constructive debates would be held on the national matters in the House under chairmanship.
He praised President Asif Ali Zardari for his address to the Joint Sitting of the Parliament in which he encompassed on national issues.
He said the president had urged all the political parties to play their vital role for the bright future of the nation and bring out the country from all crises.
“Currently, the country is facing many challenges at international level, so all political parties should shun their differences and instead of point scoring should work unitedly for the betterment of the state and its citizens.”.
While,
In an informal conversation with media, Shibli Faraz expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with anyone including federal government for the betterment of Pakistan, but only if the government creates a conducive environment for talks.
He emphasized that political cases must be withdrawn, and the rule of law and constitution must be upheld, demanding the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, women, and political prisoners, however, he stressed that legal cases should be pursued if they are genuine.
The PTI senator further added that the government must allow political freedom and stop political victimization.
The opposition leader said that PTI held intra-party elections for the third time, but objections were raised on the party polls again. He warned that political stability cannot be achieved in such environment.
Faraz lamented that there are differences and conflicting views even within the Pakistan Muslim League (N). He specifically mentioned Rana Sanaullah, who he claimed was speaking differently than others.
Furthermore, Shibli Faraz emphasized that the uncertain situation regarding the PAC (Public Accounts Committee) chairmanship would soon be resolved.
Imran Khan ‘wants’ Maulana Fazl to join anti-govt opposition movement
Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan asserted that they did not receive ‘any message’ for dialogues nor holding any secret dialogues with the incumbent government.
Gohar Khan said incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan confirmed that he did not receive any message for dialogues. “We will publicly confirm if receive any invitation for talks,” he said.
Furthermore, the PTI chairman also rejected holding dialogues with the incumbent government and stated that his party would not hold any “secret talks”.