RAWALPINDI: Leaders of the five Opposition parties in the National Assembly this morning [April 2] had a three-hour meeting with President Z.A. Bhutto, in an attempt to end the Constitutional deadlock, and later reported the results of their talks to the United Democratic Front’s general council, for guidance.

The talks, held at the Presidency this mor­ning in response to the invitation by the Pre­s­i­­dent, remained inconclusive, and will be resumed on April 4. … Meanwhile, the Oppo­sition boycott of the National Assembly will continue. An official handout issued later in the evening … said that during the discussions, the Opposition leaders “explai­ned their proposals on the Constitution as previously sent to the President, and after discussions, clarifications were sought from the Government”.

Prof Ghafoor Ahmed of the Jamaat-i-Isla­mi, who is also the UDF’s General Secretary … said he and his colleagues explained to the President and his team members the UDF’s demands in detail. … The UDF’s general council meeting, held at Chaudhry Zahur Illahi’s residence, after the talks with the President, was still continuing till late in the evening with Pir Pagaro in the chair. — Special Representative

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2023