Zardari welcomes CJP’s advice to political parties for dialogue

Karachi: Former President and Pakistan Peoples Party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the advice of Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial to the political parties for negotiations.

Asif Ali Zardari said they had already started negotiations a few days ago.

The former president said, “If the government coalition comes to a position, then we will also talk to the political opponents,”.

He also asked the Chief Justice to give them some time as they wanted elections through negotiations.

Response came after Chief Justice of Pakistan Omar Ata Bandial while hearing elections case observed that if political parties agreed, the court could make any way out.

The CJP remarked that if the Political parties wanted to change the date of the elections, the court was with them.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar were the other members of the bench.

The top court also issued notices to the heads of the political parties.  The court adjourned further hearing till 11: 30 am tomorrow (Thursday).

However, the court dismissed the petition of the Defence Ministry, holding that it was inadmissible. The top court asked the federal government for funds.

“If funds are not provided for the elections, serious consequences may arise. The Ministry of Defense's request to hold elections together in the country is not admissible,” said the CJP.

The Ministry of Defense and two citizens have approached the Supreme Court to hold nationwide elections at the same time.

During the hearing, Justice Muneeb Akhtar said that a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister of the Parliament also has consequences. The Chief Justice said that if funds are not provided for the elections, serious consequences may arise. "May Allah give us the courage to make the right decisions, include us among the righteous people, and remember us with kind words when we are gone," he added.

Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial remarked, "The case is taking huge time. Has the government given its executive work to Parliament or not?"