QUETTA: The Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah, has come up with a new formula to end a political deadlock between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and protesting parties.

Addressing members of the Christian community here on Saturday evening, the senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader suggested that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should reduce tenure of the government from five years to four years to defend the present democratic setup.

“Mian sahib should show flexibility for the sake of democracy," he told flag-waving PPP supporters in Killi Khaizai area of Quetta.

Shah said that if Sharif reduces the tenure by one year then Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri should also tolerate the present regime for three more years.

Both the PTI and PAT have been carrying out anti-government protests across the country for the last two months.

Shah lashed out at Imran Khan during today's public meeting for what he called his ongoing ‘musical shows and concerts’ in Islamabad and other parts of the country.

“A 62 year old man calls himself as young leader,” he said, adding that it was quite strange to see an aged man trying to hoodwink the young generation of the country.

“Imran Khan, please make a new identity card and change your age to 25 years,” Shah mockingly suggested, assuring that he too would then support the cricketer-turned-politician.

Shah was flanked by PPP provincial president, Mir Sadiq Umrani and other party leaders.

Regarding the demand for mid-term elections, the opposition leader clarified that polls cannot be conducted through threats and intimidation rather the democratic process must be ensured in the case of any change. He said his party has always given sacrifices to uphold the supremacy of Parliament and Constitution in the county.

“We do not defend Nawaz Sharif … rather, we stand for strengthening democratic institutions in the country,” Shah said.

When asked about corruption charges against him, he said: "When we stand by democracy and the Constitution, we have to face such charges."

Khursheed Shah said for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the opposition and government had reached a consensus to appoint chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after thorough deliberations.

“NAB has even opened corruption cases against the prime minister,” he said, adding that he was ready to face any kind of accountability.