ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that coalition partners have unanimously decided that elections be held in October-November across country on same day. Addressing meeting of Cabinet he said, “There is consensus that assembly would complete its term on August 13 and general elections must be held in October-November.” He reiterated that Parliament would decide about disbursement of funds to Election Commission for conducting polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said, “Parliamentary committee will discuss terms of talks between coalition government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf regarding holding elections across country on same day”. Shehbaz Sharif said that situation was very challenging today, adding that federal government’s stance was same even today on SC’s 4-3 verdict.

He said the door for negotiations should not be closed. "We can decide what the format of the talks will be. The parliamentary committee can create room for this."  He made the comments in a meeting with leaders of the 13 parties — known as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — that form the coalition government. The meeting comes a day before a hearing of the Supreme Court on petitions requesting single-day elections to the national and provincial assemblies. In the previous hearing, the apex court had directed the government and opposition parties to reach a consensus on the date for holding elections.

In his address yesterday, the premier said the parliament had dealt with challenges in the past and taken constitutional and legal steps regarding the Supreme Court.

“SC is still trying to take things forward with same three-member bench,” PM Shehbaz said. Premier’s address comes hours after he held an meeting with coalition partners to discuss possibility of talks with opposition PTI on SC’s directives. Attorney General for Pakistan and ministers also attended meeting. Meeting was briefed by legal team on election fund case and negotiations with opposition, sources said. Government had assured Supreme Court of holding talks with opposition over elections in two provinces on April 26.

"The parliament did not accept that bench's decision. The unanimous decision was that we accept the four-three verdict," PM Shehbaz said, referring to the controversies regarding the bench's members.

However, the apex court wanted to continue hearing the elections case with the three-member bench, which has asked for details regarding election funds tomorrow, he noted. "The parliament has dealt with Supreme Court verdicts in the past. It would prefer that the matter [of holding talks with the opposition on elections] also be brought to the house. "The parliament would want its decisions to be respected."

The coalition partners had reached a consensus on same-day elections, he shared. "The decision has to be taken by the parliament, not you or me," he told the allies.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 27 2023

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