ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary leaders of the opposition parties yesterday agreed on continuity of peace talks with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and halting the drone attacks but failed to remove the differences over blocking the Nato supply line.
These expressions were made during a meeting of parliamentary leaders of the opposition parties held at the Parliament House. It was summoned by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah to formulate a joint stance on drafting a resolution against the drone attacks.
The meeting was attended by Khursheed Shah, PTI deputy parliamentary leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, MQM’s parliamentary leader Dr Farooq Sattar, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, ANP’s Ghulam Ahmed Bilour and JI’s parliamentary leader Sahibzada Tariqullah Khan.
The PPP, MQM and ANP were against while the PTI, JI and Awami Muslim League were for blocking the Nato supply line. However, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Sheikh Rashid and JI’s representative failed to reach an agreement in bringing a resolution calling for blocking the Nato supply line.
The PPP, ANP and MQM leaders were of the view that the government should carry on negotiations with the TTP without blocking the Nato supply line.
According to sources, Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah told the meeting that there was an agreement made by the federal government ensuring Nato supplies and only the federal government could take a step in this regard.
“Provinces can adopt resolutions and recommend to the federal government to take a step but cannot stop the Nato supply as it will be against the Constitution and law,” sources quoting Khursheed Shah said.
They said it was decided that the opposition will seek the government’s stance on the Nato supplies and dialogue process with the TTP so that a consensus resolution was brought into the House. Internews
