Govt extends olive branch to opposition once again as Achakzai threatens boycott

ISLAMABAD: The government once again extended an olive branch to the opposition for dialogue on important national issues on Wednesday, as National Assembly (NA) Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai threatened to boycott the House over unfulfilled promises.

“I invited you on behalf of the government to come and sit together with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to consult on national issues,” Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on the NA floor, while replying to allegations by the opposition that the government had failed to perform.

Referring to the opposition’s demand to allow incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to meet other party leaders, the law minister said the Constitution did not allow a convict to run a political party, distribute tickets for legislative assemblies, or actively participate in politics.

Meanwhile, regarding the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, he stated that the opposition had to provide proof of any alleged rigging that took place there.

Tarar said that the recent protest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was due to the backing of a neighbouring country.

Earlier in the session, the opposition lamented that the government had failed to run the country in the right way.

Achakzai noted that the opposition had ended its previous boycott at the government’s request to demonstrate unity before a Chinese delegation that visited the National Assembly last month.

In May, the opposition said it would boycott the upcoming budget session to protest the denial of medical care to the former premier.

Responding to a question during the question hour in the House, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistani missions abroad have dedicated sections that provide necessary support to Pakistani prisoners, including legal and financial assistance, to ensure their welfare.

He said mission representatives regularly visit jails and ensure the well-being of all prisoners. During these visits, prisoners interact with mission officials and register complaints regarding food, medicine and hygiene, which are then promptly taken up with the relevant jail authorities.

Fazal apprised the House that as soon as a Pakistani was apprehended by law enforcement agencies, the date of arrest and the charges levelled against them were communicated to the missions through official communication channels of the host government.

He said the missions tabulate this information and maintain a comprehensive databank. At times, Pakistanis arrested from police stations are released due to the timely intervention of the missions.

Answering another question, the minister said every effort was being made to secure the release of Pakistani hostages held by Somali pirates.

Replying to another question, the minister claimed no targeted or selective action was being taken against Pakistanis in the United Arab Emirates.

The House will now meet tomorrow at 11am.