KARACHI, Oct 28: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday hinted at initiating talks with the leadership of the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League as part of his government’s policy of reconciliation.
The prime minister was addressing a news conference at the Governor’s House. He was accompanied by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Arbab Rahim.
He said that talks for restoration of democracy were in progress with all parties and that it was a reality that the PML-N was a major party which had representation in the Senate and National and provincial assemblies.
When asked about chances of reaching a reconciliation accord with the PML-N when its leader had been deported for a second time, Mr Aziz said that Mr Sharif had gone abroad in accordance with an arrangement and since the matter was in the court and sub-judice he would not deliberate on it. Nevertheless, he said talks could be held with the party and its leadership and there could be reconciliation.
In fact, he said that such talks were taking place with the PML-N, but hastily added that no deal was being cut with any party.
What Mr Aziz said on Sunday was similar to statements which were being issued by government leaders prior to the Benazir-Musharraf understanding which resulted in the promulgation of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
Answering questions about the deteriorating security situation in Swat, Mr Aziz said that no army operation had been launched there. He claimed that personnel of the Frontier Constabulary and police were only trying to restore law and order.
“We do not want loss of life in Swat. The local administration had requested the federal government to deploy army there to maintain law and order,” he said.
Terming the situation in Swat tense, he said that the government was determined to find a political solution to the problem, adding that jirgas and reconciliation talks were being held with tribal elders.
Asked to comment on Benazir Bhutto’s allegations about government’s policies against her and on her reservations on the manner in which the inquiry into October 18 incident was being carried out, Mr Aziz said an investigation into the tragedy was under way and findings would be made public.
He pointed out that the provincial police had resolved such cases in the past and this case too would be solved and culprits would be uncovered.
Expressing grief over the Karachi carnage, he stressed the need for taking precautionary security measures. He said that security plans should be adhered to in letter and spirit.
He said efforts would be made to protect the life and property of people during the coming elections for which a code of conduct had already been chalked out and sent to the political parties and the Election Commission for their views and suggestions.
Replying to a question, he said the NRO was aimed at promoting greater national reconciliation to improve the political environment.
Rejected reports about a crisis in the ruling party over the next prime minister, he said that his party would decide about the name of the future prime minister only after the general election.
He dispelled the impression that a decision about the future prime minister would be taken by a foreign country and said that the people would choose their future leadership with their ballot.
He said Gen Pervez Musharraf had been elected president by elected people’s representatives through the ballot.
