Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Senator Rehman Malik on Friday urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri to help end the prevailing political impasse.
Talking to media persons outside Parliament House on Friday, he said that Chinese President Xi Jinping was coming to Pakistan sign agreements and contracts to invest about $40 billion in the country at a time when nobody was coming and willing to invest; however, through a 'proper plan', his visit was sabotaged. He further said that PTI, PAT and government were equally responsible for the cancellation of Chinese President's visit. Had they shown some flexibility the ongoing could have been resolved much earlier. He urged PTI and PAT leadership to show flexibility to resolve the current political crisis.
Commenting over allegations levelled by Chaudhry Nisar on Aitzaz Ahsan, he said the issue was no longer there after prime minister's apology to Aitzaz. Malik said the leaders were fighting against each other. "What will happen to the people if the leaders keep on fighting," he asked.
Expressing reservations over the on-going tussle between the two leaders, Malik said that the situation was heading towards a confrontation and it could hurt the public at large. He further said that parliament was the place to guide people to dispute resolution. Unfortunately, however, one more dharna (Nisar Aitzaz clash) was being staged, which may further add fuel to the fire. Responding to a question about Jirga's role in resolving the issues, he said that it was mandated to end the deadlock and it succeeded to end the deadlock within 24 hours. He further said that Prime Minister was very co-operative and kind in this regard and ministers should also be cooperative. Rehman Malik said that the decision on PM Nawaz Sharif resignation was left to the Jirga.