ISLAMABAD, July 12: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Saturday that a broad-based national consensus was imperative for the survival and continuation of democratic system.

Addressing a meeting of Pakistan Muslim League (Q)’s allies here, he said the government wanted to take forward the process of reconciliation among political parties and resolve the remaining problems in a spirit of cooperation.

He said the process of negotiations had been started in consultation with the leaders of the allied parties in the first phase.

“According to the pledge,” he said, “the next round of talks with the opposition will be held after taking the allied parties into confidence.”

The opposition is equally responsible for maintaining political consensus, and it should show maturity for the continuation of democratic system and cooperate with the government, he said.

All efforts would be made to resolve the differences with the opposition parties through negotiations, he added.

The prime minister said it was his personal effort and wish that harmony be created, and that the government and opposition take unified steps for people’s prosperity.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, Interior Minister Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat, leader of MQM’s parliamentary party Syed Safwanullah, President PPP (Sherpao) Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, PML (J) President Hamid Nasir Chattha, PML(Z) President Ejazul Haq, PML (F)’s MNA Qazi Abdul Qudoos, and Fata’s Haji Munir Khan Orakzai.

The allied leaders reviewed the opposition’s withdrawal of their no-trust motion against the National Assembly’s deputy speaker and the offer of dialogue.

They reposed confidence in the prime minister and gave various suggestions for the improvement of government institutions.

They assured the PM of their full cooperation, and said the alliance would be further strengthened for the progress and prosperity of the people.

They appreciated and backed the prime minister’s offer of dialogue to the opposition. They gave the PM full authority to negotiate with the opposition, saying they would support any decision taken by him during the course of talks.

They urged the opposition to stand by the government in the larger interest of democracy and for the progress of people.

“The opposition should set aside its personal interests and hold talks with the government with an open mind so that a permanent solution can be found to the problems,” they maintained.

The meeting also took stock of the law and order situation in the country, and held the view that anti-state elements wanted to stop the process of development in Balochistan, and keep the province backward by carrying out terrorist acts such as the recent incident in Quetta.

The leaders said many mega projects were being implemented in Balochistan which, upon completion, will start a new era of prosperity, end joblessness and alleviate poverty. —APP