ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has remarked what steps have been taken by government so far to show their good intent and it seems as if government is playing only pass, pass.

He remarked, Farooq Naik told on April 19 in chamber meeting that Chairman Senate will facilitate in talks. Chairman Senate is neither representative of government nor of opposition. If government is serious in talks then it would have taken steps on its own.

He observed the court cannot force to hold talks. Court only wants to implementation of Constitution so that solution to conflict could be found. Court does not want any explanation. Only tell us solution. Chairman Senate will summon meeting and it will also take time.  Politicians should find out solution on their own. If no solution comes out from talks then Constitution is there and our decision is too there. Tolerance and patience will have to be demonstrated in matter of talks. There is no order of court regarding talks. Only there is proposal by court.

He remarked if no consensus is evolved for protection of national interest and Constitution then “It will run as it is what it is. Government has taken what steps to show good intent. It seems as if government is playing pass, pass. It was expected both sides will meet today.” Matter of holding polls on one day came up for hearing before three members bench of SC presided over by CJP Umar Ata Bandial. Attorney General took plea before court first contact took place between government and opposition on April 19 and they had agreed on holding meeting on April 26.  CJP inquired on this occasion what effort was made after Asad Qaisar that who is empowered for holding talks. Chairman Senate was contacted in what capacity.  AG told court it came to knowledge through media that Shah Mehmood Qureshi is empowered for talks. Senate is symbol of federation, therefore Chairman Senate was asked.  

Farooq H Naik, counsel for PPP told court all allied parties of government are ready to hold talks with PTI. Senate is only institution where representation of all parties is there. Role of Chairman Senate is to facilitate. Committees of political parties only have to hold talks.  PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi took plea court had given opportunity for evolving political consensus at insistence of government. Political leadership of all parties had appeared in court. There is no consensus among PDM on talks. PTI took court order seriously. SC May 14 order is final. Court provided chance to political parties in national interest. No contact was made with PTI.

He added PTI had nominated him, Fawad Chaudhry and Ali Zafar for talks. Asad Qaisar asked government to contact me. No one has contacted me so far. Chairman Senate on phone day before that he was contacting me on insistence of Prime Minister.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 28 2023

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