JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman talks to the media after a meeting with a PML-N delegation led by Raja Zafarul Haq in Islamabad. – Photo by Online/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) leader Raja Zafarul Haq on Tuesday said that his party and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) had not yet made any breakthrough to form a coalition government at the centre.

The PML-N leader told APP that the two parties had constituted committees to continue talks on the matter.

Regarding JUI-F’s demands of two federal ministries and chairmanship of the National Assembly’s Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Haq said the JUI-F had already contradicted the news item in that regard.

He said that he had extended a formal invitation to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for joining the government and his demands had been conveyed to the party’s high ups.

On Monday, JUI-F spokesman Jan Achakzai had categorically denied that the party had demanded any ministry in its talks with the PML-N and said all such reports were baseless and speculative. He, however, said the party would definitely ask for some offices when it would finally decide to join the government.

Sources in the PML-N claimed that though the JUI-F had not formally presented its demands, the party seemed to be interested in getting the office of the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the office of the speaker or deputy speaker in Balochistan Assembly, at least two to three ministries in the federal cabinet and the chairmanship of the parliamentary committee on Kashmir.

Achakzai further said the JUI-F had so far not expressed its desire to join the government and would make a final decision in the light of the report of a four-member committee which had been constituted on Sunday to hold further talks with the second tier of the PML-N leadership.

The committee members are Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan, Akram Khan Durrani and Malik Sikandar Khan.– APP/Dawn.com

Nawaz Sharif talks with his brother Shahbaz Sharif before addressing the newly elected lawmakers belonging to PML-N, during a function in Lahore on May 20, 2013. – Reuters Photo

LAHORE: Pakistan’s prime minister-elect Nawaz Sharif Monday called for peace talks with Pakistani Taliban militants at war with the government, potentially charting a course that could put him at odds with the country’s powerful army.

Speaking to the newly elected members of national and provincial assemblies belonging to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), he said that Taliban offers to talk should be taken seriously.

Nawaz Sharif said ”terrorism” was one of the most serious problems plaguing the country and any offer by the Pakistani Taliban to talk ”should be taken seriously.”

”All options should be tried, and guns are not a solution to all problems,” Sharif said. ”Why shouldn’t we sit and talk, engage in dialogue?”

Sharif said the practice of toppling elected governments through street violence and agitation must be stopped now.

The PML-N chief said the federation will extend an all-out support to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), given they show resolve to eradicate terrorism and control the prevailing unrest in Karachi.

He said the PML-N respects mandate of other parties and they have the right to form governments in their respective provinces.

Sharif’s party won a resounding victory in the May 11 national election and is set to form the country’s next government.

“The first 30 days in government will show the nation our direction,” said Sharif.

Sharif has pushed for talks with the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP) in the past, but this is the first time he has done so publicly since the election.

The Taliban has been waging a bloody insurgency against the government for years that has killed thousands of security personnel and civilians. The militants say they are fighting to enforce Islamic law in the country and end the government’s alliance with the United States.

The Pakistan army has launched multiple operations against the Taliban in their strongholds along the border with Afghanistan, but the militants have proven resilient and continue to carry out near-daily attacks.

Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who met with Sharif on Saturday for the first time since the May 11 election, laid out strict conditions last month for any potential peace deal with the Taliban.

”We sincerely desire that all those who have strayed and have picked up arms against the nation return to the national fold,” Kayani said in a rare public speech. ”However, this is only possible once they unconditionally submit to the state, its constitution and the rule of law,” said the army chief.

The Taliban have shown an inclination to negotiate with Sharif, who is known to be a devout Muslim and whose party has been criticised for not cracking down on Islamic militants in its stronghold of Punjab province.– AP/DawnNews

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. — Photo by AFP

LAHORE: Six independents elected from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) on Monday met with Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and announced their inclusion in the party, DawnNews reported.

The six independent candidates who succeeded in winning from different Fata regions met with the PML-N chief in Raiwind before joining the party.

The MNAs include Shahji Gul, Bismillah Khan, Sajid Toori, Ghazi Gulab Jamal, Bilal Rahman and Nazir Khan.

The MNAs moreover assured the PML-N leadership of their full support and cooperation for the party in government formation after it won the May 11 general elections.

Caretaker Law Minister Ahmar Bilal Soofi. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD: After the PML-N, caretaker Law Minister Ahmar Bilal Soofi has also criticised the postings and transfers being made by the government of Prime Minister retired Justice Mir Hazar Khan Khoso.

He warned the caretaker set-up against transgressing its mandate by making undue transfers and postings in important government departments.

In a letter to his cabinet colleagues a copy of which he also sent to the Prime Minister Secretariat and the establishment secretary, Mr Soofi said: “Cabinet members should abide by the legal limitation they enjoy under the constitution. They should not trespass the mandate of the interim government.

“I would again reiterate that we may continue the prevalent transparency and may not take action which may be counter-productive to the important role performed by the caretaker government.”

Talking to Dawn on Sunday, the law minister confirmed that he had highlighted in the letter the issue of unnecessary postings and transfers being carried out by some of his colleagues in the cabinet. But he did not mention any specific posting or transfer. He said the letter had been dispatched on Saturday.

In his letter Mr Soofi has also mentioned the cancellation of contract of two officials of the information ministry and the recent replacement of the National Highway Authority’s chairman. The letter also referred to a statement he had earlier made in cabinet that it was advisable to avoid making controversial appointments in major departments and leave them to the elected government.

In his press talk in Lahore on Friday, PML-N leader and former Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif accused President Asif Ali Zardari of influencing the caretaker prime minister to make postings and transfers in various federal departments.

Mr Sharif, a known critic of the president, warned of action against those found involved in carrying out what he alleged orders from the Presidency.

President’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar has denied the allegations.

RIGGING CHARGES: Mr Soofi said it was up to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to act on allegations of rigging. “It’s not our mandate to interfere in the commission’s matters,” he said, adding that if a candidate had solid proof of rigging he should approach the ECP.

COURT ASSET MANAGEMENT: The law ministry under Mr Soofi has worked on a proposal to set up a court asset management team to properly manage and upgrade at least 130 premises of the lower courts across the country. If the proposal is accepted by the next government, some six to 10 MBAs will have to be hired to prepare an inventory of all court assets and their existing resources. The proposed team will develop a long-term strategy for regular maintenance of the court premises.

The main objective is to provide proper facilities to hundreds of thousands of litigants. Litigants pay court fees but they do not get corresponding amenities such as sitting places and toilets. The law ministry intends to upgrade the court premises so that ordinary litigants develop confidence in state institutions.

After finalisation of the proposal it will be submitted to the Supreme Court for its approval in principle. If approved and properly executed the project will transform the outlook of lower courts and of judiciary throughout the country.

Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai talks to media after the meeting. — INP Photo by Jamal Tarakai

QUETTA: The PML-N, the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and National Party (NP) which together have a majority of seats in the Balochistan Assembly have agreed to form a coalition government and authorised Nawaz Sharif to nominate the leader of the house.

This was announced by PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif here on Sunday after holding discussions with the MPAs-elect of his party and leaders of the PkMAP and NP.

He said Nawaz Sharif would consider recommendations made by the prospective coalition partners.

Shahbaz Sharif, who was accompanied by PML-N leaders Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Senator Pervez Rasheed, held separate meetings with delegations of his party and the NP and PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai.

Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, Sardar Saleh Bhootani, Nawabzada Jangez Khan Marri and retired General Abdul Qadir Baloch of the PML-N and NP leaders Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Mir Hasil Bizenjo and Mir Tahir Bizenjo took part in discussions about the formation of the government.

Mr Sharif said that the three parties had simple majority in the assembly.

About the inclusion the Jamiat Ulama-i-Islam (Fazl) in the coalition, he said that the PML-N and allies would jointly take a decision in this regard.

Balochistan, he said, would have a small cabinet and a corruption-free government this time. “It will try to provide basic amenities and jobs to people and develop education, health, agriculture, irrigation, public health engineering and other sectors.”

He said that the people of the province had suffered because of massive corruption, bad governance and deteriorating law and order over the past five years.

“We have learned a lesson from our past mistakes and will not repeat them,” Mr Sharif said.

He said that performance of the PML-N in Balochistan was satisfactory and it had emerged as the leading political party in the province.

He said that the PML-N would promote harmony among all political parties to strengthen democracy.

Earlier, on his arrival in Quetta airport he said that Nawaz Sharif wanted to take serious steps to remove the sense of deprivation among the people of Balochistan.

He said that the issue of Balochistan would be amicably resolved with joint efforts of all political stakeholders.

The PML-N would introduce a model government to put the country on the path of progress and prosperity, accelerate the pace of development and boost national economy.

He said that people would feel a difference between the new government and the previous ones.

Talking to reporters after meeting Shahbaz Sharif, senior vice-president of the NP Mir Hasil Bizenjo confirmed that his party, the PML-N and PkMAP had agreed to form a coalition government whose chief minister would be selected by Nawaz Sharif.

He said that the coalition government would discard the policy of granting massive development funds directly to MPAs because it had led to unprecedented corruption.

The coalition government would try to meet the expectations of the people and ensure that the benefit of development trickled down to the grassroots level, he said.

He expressed the hope that the coalition government would set an example of good governance without which the goal of a developed and prosperous Balochistan could not be achieved.

Background discussions with a number of leaders from the two parties on modalities and conditions for forming a coalition government at the centre reveal that both the parties have their own reasons to seek a partnership.

A senior PML-N office-bearer privy to the ongoing talks between the two parties said his party wanted the JUI-F to join its government at the centre because it needed the religious party’s support in the Senate to carry out the legislative business smoothly.

At present, the PML-N has 15 senators and the JUI-F has seven members while the PPP is the largest party with 39 senators in the 104-member upper house of parliament. Another reason for the PML-N’s desire to take along the JUI-F despite having a majority in the lower house was that the religious party could exploit its ability to mobilise seminary students for street agitation on any issue, the PML-N leader said.

“These religious parties may not have a [large] vote bank, but one cannot deny their power to use Madressah students and bring them on roads for protests,” he said, adding that such a situation would divert the focus of the government and the media to less important issues.

Another PML-N leader said there was no doubt that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had connections in the country’s troubled tribal areas and Afghanistan and the government could take advantage of this in bringing peace in the country badly hit by terrorism.

Sources in the PML-N claimed that though the JUI-F had not formally presented its demands, the party seemed to be interested in getting the office of the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the office of the speaker or deputy speaker in Balochistan Assembly, at least two to three ministries in the federal cabinet and the chairmanship of the parliamentary committee on Kashmir.

On the other hand, JUI-F spokesman Jan Achakzai categorically denied that the party had demanded any ministry in its talks with the PML-N and said all such reports were baseless and speculative. He, however, said the party would definitely ask for some offices when it would finally decide to join the government.

When asked as to which issues were being discussed between the two parties if not the ministries, Mr Achakzai said the JUI-F wanted to understand clearly the stance of the future PML-N government on key issues like terrorism in Fata and legislative business on various controversial issues.

Answering a question, Mr Achakzai explained that the JUI-F wanted the PML-N to promise that it would not bulldoze the legislative business in parliament, particularly on sensitive issues like women’s rights.

Citing an example, he said the JUI-F had taken a clear position when the previous PPP-led coalition government had tried to bulldoze the controversial domestic violence bill on the pressure of civil society organisations.

When asked as to why the PML-N needed the JUI-F’s support when it was in a position to form the government on its own, he replied that the PML-N was conscious of the future challenges and knew that the JUI-F was an important party having links in Fata, Kashmir and Afghanistan.

“In fact, Maulana Fazlur Rehman is playing the role of a buffer between extremist forces and moderate parties. He has expertise and has links in Fata and Afghanistan.
They (the PML-N) can utilise his expertise,” he said.

Mr Achakzai said the JUI-F had so far not expressed its desire to join the government and would make a final decision in the light of the report of a four-member committee which had been constituted on Sunday to hold further talks with the second tier of the PML-N leadership. The committee members are Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan, Akram Khan Durrani and Malik Sikandar Khan.

A view of the Balochistan Assembly. — Online/File Photo

QUETTA: Future ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has failed to develop consensus regarding nomination of leader of the house in Balochistan Assembly.

Former Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif failed to break the deadlock over the nomination of the future chief executive of Balochistan, which is under the grip of violence for the last 12 years.

Shahbaz Sharif held a one hour long meeting with Pashtun nationalist leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai to discuss ways and means for formation of future coalition government in the violence-stricken province on Sunday evening.

“We have decided in principle to form a three party alliance in Balochistan,” Sharif told a crowed of reporters at a local hotel.

He said the alliance comprises of PML-N, Pakhtunkhwa (PkMAP) Milli Awami Party and National Party.

Sharif also had a detailed meeting with NP Chief Dr Malik Baloch and Senator Hasil Bizenjo regarding government formation in Balochistan.

The PML-N had nominated Nawab Sanaullah Zehri as the parliamentary leader in Balochistan Assembly the other day. He is considered to be a strong candidate for the slot of chief minister.

However, Nawabzada Jangaiz Marri, an elected MPA from Kohlu, former Deputy Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali and the NP Chief Dr Malik Baloch, are also strong candidates for the CM slot.

Nawab Zehri was able to get the support of around 20 MPAs to become the future chief executive of the province.

However, the central command of PML-N directed him to ignore previous allies including the JUI-F, BNP (Awami) and Pakistan Muslim League (Q). Mian Nawaz Sharif has given clear instructions to the provincial chapter of the party to take National Party and PkMAP on board regarding the future set up.

The two Baloch and Pashtun nationalist parties currently have 17 members out of 51 general seats in the Balochistan Assembly.

They appear to be in a stronger position to form a government with future ruling PML-N.

Sources inside NP told Dawn.com that the future chief minister would be nominated after consultation with Mehmood Achakzai and Dr Malik Baloch.

“Nawaz Sharif has directed his party to take us on board in all affairs regarding formation of the government,” they said.

Former prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif waves to supporters after his party victory in general election in Lahore on May 11, 2013.—File Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: With little time for preparing the budget, the PML-N wants an early session of the National Assembly but it seems the winning party will have to wait until last week of this month to assume power.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has 10 days after the election day to notify the winning candidates, after which President Asif Ali Zardari can summon session of the assembly no later than June 1.

A senior ECP official said under the constitution, winning candidates have 10 days after the election day to submit details of their expenditures. It is a mandatory requirement for a candidate to be formally declared winner.

In reply to a question, he said after the notification of the results, candidates elected as independents would be given a three-day window to join a political party. Those who fail to do so in the specified period, will remain independent for five years.

Then on the basis of final tally of seats obtained by political parties, a decision will be made about reserved seats for women and minorities on the basis of proportional representation. The process will take three to four days.

As per article 91 (2) of the constitution, the first session of the assembly has to be held not later than the 21st day after the election day unless summoned sooner by the president. Therefore, the next assembly will have to meet by June 1.

Talking to Dawn, a senior leader of the PML-N, Ayaz Sadiq, urged the ECP to issue the notification of results as soon as possible. “Our main concern at the moment is budget making for which we need to be in government as soon as possible.”

When asked whether his party wanted the swearing-in ceremony of its government to coincide with May 28, the anniversary of nuclear explosions in 1998, Mr Sadiq said he was not aware of any such desire.

However, a source in the PML-N said some party leaders believed it would send a powerful message if Nawaz Sharif was administrated the oath as prime minister on May 28.

Caretaker Law Minister Ahmar Bilal Sufi said only the president had the authority to decide on the date of the assembly session. But if he fails to do so within three weeks after the election day, the law ministry can call the session on its own.

Deputy Secretary General PML-N Ahsan Iqbal speaks during a press conference. – File Photo by PPI

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Secretary General Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said that the cabinet size of the newly elected government would be short.

“It will help the new government to minimize precious national wealth besides help masses in efficient manner,” he told APP.

Iqbal said that a meeting of the party’s parliamentary committee would be convened on May 20 in Lahore under the chair of party chief Nawaz Sharif which would discuss formation of the government at the centre and in provinces.

He said the PML-N has gained simple majority at the centre while thumping majority in Punjab. The party would also form coalition government in Balochistan with the help of other political parties, he added.

“First 100-day plan of action including energy crisis, law and order situation and other challenges faced by the country would also be discussed in the meeting,” said the PML-N leader.

Ahsan Iqbal said that newly elected members of the National Assembly besides senators and central and provincial office-bearers would attend the meeting.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman talks to the media after a meeting with a PML-N delegation led by Raja Zafarul Haq in Islamabad on Saturday. Photo by Online

ISLAMABAD: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was yet to come to a decision regarding joining Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) government at the centre but there was “progress in talks.”

The PML-N and JUI-F leadership on Saturday held preliminary consultations for cooperation in the formation of government.

A three member PML-N delegation, led by Raja Zafarul Haq, met the JUI-F leadership and formally invited the latter to join the government.

Later talking to media representatives, Haq and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said there was progress in their talks. Answering a question why PML-N was inviting other parties when it has simple majority at the centre, Raja Zafarul Haq said that country was facing immense challenges and these require broad-based support for the ruling party to address them agreeably.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the decision will be taken on finalisation of the contours of the cooperation and the objectives to be achieved.  He said his party leaders were still speculating the options.

“We are serious about the country. We do not have the desire for power. Coming to power was a responsibility,” said Rehman.

The JUI-F chief had called a meeting with party leaders to reach a decision about joining PML-N or sitting in the opposition benches earlier on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Sherazi brothers of Thattha have announced to join the PML-N in a meeting with Shahbaz Sharif earlier in the day in Lahore’s Model Town. Ayaz Shah Sherazi, Shah Hussain Sherazi, Ijaz Shah Sherazi and Ameer Haider Sherazi expressed their full confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif.

The JUI-F had announced that it would stage protests across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against alleged rigging during the May 11 elections.

However, Shahbaz Sharif met Rehman on Thursday and reportedly put forward a formal invitation for the JUI-F to ally with the PML-N to form a coalition government at the centre and in Balochistan.

The central working committee of JUI-F is expected to reach to a decision regarding joining the PML-N government at the centre in their scheduled meeting on Sunday. – PPI/DawnNews