The talks between Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have been postponed once again, as leader of opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday dismissed holding dialogue with the government on caretaker setup and formation of new provinces.
Talking to reporters, Nisar came harsh on the ruling PPP, saying that the government has lost its credibility and his party does not feel it necessary to hold talks with it after passage of 18th Constitutional Amendment. He, however, said that the government view would be considered, but it cannot be termed as formal talks.
Sources privy to the development said that during the informal talks, the PPP has forwarded a proposal to conduct the general elections during March 15 to April 15 next year, while PML-N is insistent to hold the polls in December this year or January 2013.
About the creation of new provinces, Niar termed the move as very sensitive and repeated his party's demand to constitute a national commission in accordance with the resolution passed by Punjab Assembly for formation of new federating units on administrative grounds. He said that the issue of provinces in Punjab should not be politically motivated.
The leader of the opposition further said that the issue of new provinces is being exploited in view of the coming general elections. To a question, he said that they have held consultations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on formation of the future caretaker setup.
Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Senator Ishaq Dar told media persons that talks with PPP could be held anywhere and anytime regarding the upcoming caretaker setup. However, he said that PPP so far did not contact his party. "We will be ready as soon as contacted for holding talks on various issues including interim setup and creation of provinces," he added. He was of the view that there was no harm in holding talks with the PPP on the future interim setup and other issues.
Earlier, the talks between PPP and PML-N regarding formation of caretaker setup were postponed twice. The government said that the talks were cancelled due to non availability of Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Shah in the federal capital.