Govt for political efforts to prevent Islamabad lockdown
October 22, 2016
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to speed up contacts with all parliamentary parties in the face off a call by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to lock down Islamabad on November 2.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif formed a committee comprising of federal ministers Pervaiz Rashid, Khawaja Saad Rafique and Mir Hasil Bizenjo. The committee has been tasked to contact all parliamentary parties, including those in opposition.
The committee members have also been authorised to make direct or indirect contact with Tehreek-e-Insaf.
But, the PTI chairman Imran Khan announced his decision before the committee could spring into action. He said there would no dialogue prior to his party’s proposed sit-in in Islamabad.
"A dialogue will only be held once we arrive in the federal capital on November 2," Khan announced.
On the other hand, former interior minister Rehman Malik said there have been backdoor contacts between the ruling PML-N and PTI, adding, "the two could enter into plea bargain".
PTI has given a call for a massive protest in Islamabad, in a final showdown aimed at forcing PM Nawaz to step down and present himself for accountability in the wake of Panama Papers disclosures.
