ISLAMABAD: Amid speculation that the caretaker government is thinking of initiating a reconciliation dialogue among all political stakeholders, caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi held separate meetings with leaders of the PPP and PML-N, on Wednesday.

The meetings came a day after PTI leader Shafqat Mehmood, who also met Mr Solangi recently, revealed that he had floated the idea of a grand national reconciliation dialogue among all political parties and stakeholders to the information minister.

Mr Mehmood has reportedly said that his idea was also endorsed by Mr Solangi.

“This dialogue is a must before the upcoming polls to move forward in the right direction. Let’s sit together and set a target for the next 10 years. Mr Solangi has agreed to the proposal,” Mr Mahmood was quoted as saying.

However, when contacted by Dawn, Mr Solangi said his cabinet has no agenda of holding a grand national reconciliation dialogue. However, he did not deny what Mr Mehmood had said about his meeting with him.

“There is no such agenda on the table for our cabinet. We have not decided anything on that matter,” he added.

Mr Solangi said he met leaders of different political parties not as a federal minister but as their old friend. “We have old friends in all political parties,” he said.

About his meeting with Mr Mehmood, the minister said: “Shafqat Mehmood is a free man and he can talk about anything under the sun”.

When asked would he deny what Mr Mehmood had said, the minister said: “Why should I deny what Mr Mehmood claims to have said to me? As I have said he is a free man and he can say anything he likes.”

According to the media wing of the information ministry, Mr Solangi said the fundamental responsibility of the caretaker government was to provide a conducive environment for polls and monitor the electoral process.

“During separate meetings with Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Mussadiq Malik and Pakistan People’s Party leader Syed Akhunzada Chattan issues of mutual interest including upcoming general elections were discussed,” an official press release said. Mr Solangi said that peaceful transfer of power was the topmost priority of the caretaker government.

He assured leaders of the two parties that the caretaker government would fully ensure holding of elections in fair, transparent and impartial atmosphere.

On Tuesday, Mr Solangi also met Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and discussed the political situation.

Some political circles believe that a national government like setup will emerge after the general elections to be held in January next year in which all mainstream political parties will have representation.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2023