ISLAMABAD: In the wake of the Azadi March and the opposition’s demand for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s resignation, a PTI parliamentary committee on Monday expressed full confidence in Mr Khan.

The committee meeting, which the prime minister chaired, approved a unanimous resolution expressing confidence in him and his government.

One of the clauses of the resolution was concerned with the role of the government committee tasked with holding talks with the opposition’s Rehbar committee on the Azadi March, which began in Karachi on Oct 27 and turned into a sit-in when it reached the capital on Oct 31.

The committee expressed satisfaction with the performance of the negotiating committee.

Members of the committee also assured Mr Khan of complete support in meeting various challenges, including of an economic, diplomatic and administrative nature.

President summons Senate, NA President Arif Alvi has summoned sessions of the Senate and National Assembly on Nov 5 and Nov 7, respectively.

Mr Khan is expected to deliver a speech in the lower house on the Azadi March and will give his and his party’s perspective on it.

A source in the PTI told Dawn he may extend an olive branch to the opposition and invite it to sit with the government to resolve genuine issues.

If Mr Khan lashes out at the opposition for its sit-in plans, a reciprocal response will be given by opposition leaders in fiery speeches in both houses of parliament.

AJK earthquake

Members of the Kashmir Orphans Relief Trust, an NGO working in earthquake affected areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, called on the prime minister and informed him that it will build 100 homes at their original sites in quake-hit areas.

AJK was jolted by a strong earthquake in September that left 40 people dead and more than 1,600 injured. In addition, 1,619 houses collapsed and 7,100 were damaged.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Khan Gandapur and other senior officials were also present.

The delegation apprised Mr Khan of the relief and rehabilitation work being undertaken by the organisation.

The prime minister praised their efforts and said the government has mobilised resources to mitigate the suffering of the people of AJK in terms of immediate relief and rehabilitation.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2019