Former Defense Minister Khawaja Asif disclosed that significant progress has been achieved in the political negotiations between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during talks held on Saturday evening. However, he stated that he was not privy to the specific details of the progress made.
The negotiating committees of the PML-N and PPP have engaged in three rounds of discussions aimed at forming the next federal government. The initial two rounds concluded inconclusively, but Asif expressed optimism regarding the recent developments.
Regarding the controversial statement made by the former Commissioner of Rawalpindi regarding the alteration of election results, Khawaja Asif expressed suspicion, suggesting it might have been part of a calculated plan.
Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Asif emphasized that during elections, only Returning Officers (ROs) and District Returning Officers (DRs) are vested with authority, while commissioners do not bear responsibilities in the electoral process.
Asif refrained from delving into the specifics of the former commissioner’s statement, citing the ongoing inquiry by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). He underscored the importance of political partnerships in the democratic process, emphasizing that political stability is a prerequisite for economic stability.
Asserting PML-N’s majority in Punjab and MQM’s mandate in Karachi, Asif hinted at a potential joint government formation involving PML-N, PPP, and MQM. He also criticized Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman’s alliance, alleging their association with fraudulent activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In response to the ECP’s formation of a committee to investigate the former commissioner’s statement, Asif reiterated the importance of political parties’ collaboration within the democratic framework. He called upon politicians to prioritize public interests over personal agendas and exhibit a spirit of sacrifice for the welfare of the people.
