ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Wednesday welcomed the statement of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif over consultation with all political parties on caretaker setup.

Speaking to media representatives after inaugurating a painting exhibition at PNCA, he said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) believes in politics of reconciliation and it was policy of Benazir Bhutto to take all political forces on board.

Kaira said that unfortunately there is a tendency of creating “conspiracy theories” over all political matters. There were speculations that the political parties would not be able to reach consensus on appointment of Chief Election Commissioner, but the political parties proved wrong with the naming of Fakharuddin G Ibrahim as CEC, he added.

“The PPP always stood for the appointment of neutral CEC as we always suffered due to rigging in the elections and appointment of Fakharuddin G Ibrahim was a very good step,” said the information minister.

He said that government and opposition were engaged in dialogue but no specific talks were being held for caretaker setup.

The government wants that next stage should be settled with the consultation of the opposition parties so that free and fair election could be ensured in the country.

To a question, he said that it was hoped that the law minister would brief the cabinet over the issue of letter to Swiss authorities and then the government would submit its reply to the Supreme Court.

He said that the apex court had issued directions to the provincial governments to hold local government elections.

Replying to a question about references against Sharif brothers, he said that the courts are free and all those who are facing any charges should appear before the courts.