ISLAMABAD: Third round of talks between delegations of ruling coalition and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concluded with both sides agreeing on holding general elections on same day across country.  

Three-member delegation comprising of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Ali Zafar - were representing PTI in talks. Delegation of ruling coalition includes PML-N's Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq along with PPP's Senator Yousuf Raza Gilani and Syed Naveed Qamar.

PTI's presser

Shah Mahmood Qureshi  from PTI side while talking  to journalists confirmed development, saying that they had "Shown flexibility for sake of national consensus". He noted that his side has agreed on some points in negotiations with government team. "We have agreed on holding elections on same day across country under caretaker setup," he added.

However, he said, both sides failed to reach consensus on date for elections and dissolution of assemblies - national and provincial.  "Both sides also agreed on holding transparent polls so that no one can express concerns later," he added.

Qureshi further said that ruling coalition side did not show flexibility on dissolution of all assemblies before May 14. Moreover, delegation also rejected government's plan to conduct general elections in October. Sources closer to PTI said that the political tensions can be reduced if the government gives date for NA dissolution.  Qureshi further said that the ruling coalition side did not show flexibility on dissolution of all  assemblies before May 14.

 Government presser:

Finance Minister Dar noted that both sides tabled their proposals on date for holding general elections. "Both side still don't agree on one point in agenda," he said, adding that another round will soon take place. Dar said that the delegations will consult with their respective leaders, adding that flexibility was being shown from both sides in negotiations. However, date for elections has not been fixed yet.

He stated that general elections will be held in presence of caretaker governments. Both sides are firm on their position regarding date of election, but flexibility has been shown from both sides, adding that respective leadership will be consulted to finalise date of elections.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 03 2023

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