LAHORE: Underscoring the “need” to address political disputes in a democratic manner, the minister for the interior claimed the provincial governments of Balochistan and Sindh have refused to prematurely dissolve the assemblies and call elections.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Rana Sanaullah Khan said no decision has been taken by the coalition government regarding the tabling of a no-confidence motion in Punjab and KP where rival Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is in power.
He also said the recent claims by Moonis Elahi, top Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader, that former army chief retired Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa “advised” his party to side with former prime minister Imran Khan during the no-confidence vote in April, had raised “doubts” on the institution’s decision to stay apolitical.
“There should be clarity on this [matter],” he demanded. “We have complete faith and the nation has complete faith that our military leadership and the institution — [will remain true] with the public commitment made by the military spokesperson and spy chief […] and the institution will continue to serve the nation in that manner.”
To another question, the minister said Khan, while in power, refused to sit with the opposition to discuss national affairs but was now suddenly ready for dialogue.
He further said the army will perform its constitutional duty to serve the country under the same commitment so that politics and matters involving the country move further in the nation’s favour.
Speaking about the possibility of moving a no-confidence motion against Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, the chief minister of Punjab, he said a final decision was yet to be made. He, however, said the stakeholders met on Friday to discuss the matter and a second meeting will be held Saturday wherein former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s advice will also be taken.
“Personally, I feel that being a member of a parliamentary democracy, one should never refuse from democracy.”
He stressed that talks between the opposition and the government were extremely important for the progress of politics in the country.
“You can’t move forward without negotiations. In a parliamentary democracy, the opposition and government are like the two wheels of a car […] both have been elected by the government, hence, both should move together and be given space,” he said.
Moving on to the economic crisis, the minister admitted his government has failed to reduce inflation. “The destruction Imran’s [Khan] government brought, [we] have controlled only up till now,” he claimed, vowing to limit inflation in the days ahead.
He further stated they will present facts near the elections. “We will tell [the people] that this destruction hasn’t been caused in six months but in three years. I hope the nation will believe us,” he said.
“People will listen to Nawaz Sharif when he will lead the election campaign. It is certain that he will come back when the Punjab assembly or general elections are held,” he said.
