ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has offered to sit down with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to move matters forward, while urging political parties to stop pulling each other’s legs and end the cycle of imprisoning rivals.
Addressing the National Assembly session, Achakzai said mistakes can be corrected and called on the prime minister to strengthen parliament through an agreement among political parties.
“The federation gives money to the provinces, but you took it from the provinces,” Achakzai said, without elaborating. He also advised the government not to be overly strict with the founder of the PTI, Imran Khan, asking rhetorically: “What will happen if someone meets Imran Khan? Nothing will happen by putting each other in jails.”
The opposition leader also raised the issue of PTI lawmaker Iqbal Afridi, who was recently expelled from the House. Addressing Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Achakzai questioned the decision.
In response, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said that Iqbal Afridi misbehaved with people, abused them, and beat them up. “If I am the [protector of] MPs and staff…” Sadiq added, leaving the sentence incomplete but indicating that Afridi’s conduct warranted strict action.
Earlier in the session, the prime minister once again invited the opposition to a Charter of Democracy and dialogue, though no immediate response from Achakzai was reported.
The opposition leader’s remarks signaled a potential opening for talks, even as tensions remain high between the government and the PTI-backed opposition.
