PESHAWAR: The leader of opposition in National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Shah, said here on Tuesday that Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif would pave the way for the safe release of Gen (retired) Pervez Musharraf from the jail.

It would be a tat-for-tat response because Pervez Musharraf had also allowed Nawaz Sharif to go abroad, he said while talking to journalists at the residence of Syed Zahir Ali Shah, former provincial president of Pakistan People’s Party, after attending a meeting of party leaders and study circle for People’s Students Federation.

The PPP leader said that in the past judiciary always supported military dictators and provided a platform to Gen (retired) Musharraf.

Regarding peace negotiations with the militants, Mr Shah said that the federal government was authorised by the all parties conference, however, no step was taken so far.

It was beyond understanding as to why the government was reluctant to commence peace talks with the militants, he said. The top brass of army categorically stated that it would respect any decision taken by the civilian leadership, he said.

Mr Shah demanded of the government to immediately initiate the negotiation process with the militants and restore peace in the country.

Without naming Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership, the PPP leader said that taking care of a single province by federal government in the current situation would be considered a conspiracy against other federating units.

It would be dangerous for the country if the prime minister only focused on Punjab, he said.

To a question regarding Dr Shakeel Afridi, he said gone were the days of America’s slavery as all decisions would be taken according to constitution and interests of the country would be kept supreme before taking any step.