Govt renews invitation to Achakzai for talks on ECP appointments

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Chaudhry urges Achakzai to meet at speaker’s chamber, says venue shouldn't stand in way of consultations

The government has renewed its invitation to Opposition Leader Mahmood Achakzai to meet at the National Assembly Speaker’s Chamber for consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the venue should not be an obstacle when discussions concern national interests and constitutional affairs, urging the opposition leader to visit the speaker’s chamber and hold talks.

The renewed invitation comes amid an issue over Achakzai’s reported refusal to meet at either the Prime Minister’s House or the speaker’s chamber.

Chaudhry maintained that the specific venue was of little consequence when it came to matters of national importance. He said the opposition leader should come to the speaker’s chamber to discuss the ECP appointments.

The parliamentary affairs minister stressed that the speaker’s chamber was a state space, not a place belonging to the government. He said the National Assembly speaker treated the government and opposition equally and described the speaker as impartial.

Chaudhry said the speaker’s conduct was such that the opposition leader would have no reason to complain about visiting his chamber.

He also pointed out that even speaking in the National Assembly requires the speaker’s permission, underscoring the speaker’s role in parliamentary proceedings.

The minister reiterated that dialogue should proceed in the interest of the country and constitutional affairs, with the government renewing its call for Achakzai to attend consultations on the Election Commission appointments.

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