ISLAMABAD-
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wedneday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) put forth six demands, of which the government accepted five demands except the one of the prime minister’s resignation.
The government upholding the decision of the parliament decided that the prime minister would not resign, he said while addressing a joint session of the parliament.
“The whole parliament is in agreement that the prime minister will not step down,” he said.
Refuting PTI’s claim that the government has backed off from the dialogue, Dar said that the government accepted five and a half demands of the protesting party.
He said the demands of the PTI which have been accepted include electoral reforms and reconstruction of Election Commission.
He said three out of six demands are related to future democratic system in Pakistan.
He said no political party opposes these three demands. Regarding terms of reference, he said both sides are deliberating upon it and an agreement in this regard is expected soon.
The finance minister said that we cannot direct the Chief Justice of Pakistan to head the Judicial Commission. However both the committees can request him to head the commission.
Several heads of foreign countries postponed their visits due to prevailing political impasse and protest demonstrations in the federal capital, he lamented.
“Sit-ins being staged by the PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have directly affected the country’s economy,” the finance minister said.
Dar said the government cannot order the Chief Justice of Pakistan to head any commission. “The government wanted to put an end to political deadlock through peaceful means,” he added.