ISLAMABAD: Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced on Friday his party had decided to support the 20th Amendment Bill after a ‘positive response’ to some conditions he had set for its unanimous adoption.

Talking to reporters after holding talks with a government team led by Syed Khursheed Shah, he said three of his demands had been accepted. The government side, he said, had sought time to get an assurance from the prime minister about consultations with him for setting up an interim government although it was not required under the 18th Amendment.

The 20th amendment will give legal cover to MNAs and MPAs elected in by-polls following a Supreme Court observation that it may annul their election if parliament fails to amend the Constitution by Feb 6.

Chaudhry Nisar said: “Our demand is that progress should be made on finalisation and passage of the National Accountability Commission Bill and it should be tabled in parliament immediately after seeking opposition’s consent.”

He said he had heard that the government was considering to give extension to Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Hamid Ali Mirza, but his party would oppose the move because it would be unconstitutional.

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