Ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will oppose the motions seeking de-seating of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers. Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar made this announcement on behalf of the prime minister on the floor of the National Assembly on Monday. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) also supported the stance of the Finance Minister and said that they are not in favour of de-seating PTI parliamentarians.
Dar said that we had sought time till next Tuesday (today) for talking with the both parties Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) to urge them withdraw motions against PTI members. He said the PML-N government ally JUI-F perhaps is likely to withdraw the motion against PTI members. He appealed to MQM to withdraw its motion.
"If a vote is held tomorrow (Tuesday) on the motions, the PML (N) would oppose. We will follow the agreement which has been inked with the PTI before constituting Inquiry Commission of the Supreme Court on vote rigging allegations in general elections 2013. The democratic process must move ahead and all political parties should work together to resolve the national issues," the Finance Minister said. Arif Alvi of PTI appreciated the spirit of the Finance Minister. He said that the Finance Minister always plays positive role.
Ijaz Jakhrani of PPP said that his party already wanted PTI members to remain part of parliament and play their role for democracy. He said that the MQM should withdraw its motion. "If the motion is carried for a vote, we will oppose it," he said. Sher Akbar Khan of JI also supported the views of the Finance Minister and said that both the parties should withdraw their motions. "I oppose the sit-in of PTI; we will now oppose the motion to de-seat the PTI MNAs," he said.
Dr GG Jamal of FATA also supported the Finance Minister and said that all political parties should play their role towards solving the basic problem of law and order and economy of the country. He said that both the parties should withdraw their motions.