Ruling PML-N ready to address Fazl’s reservations over FATA reforms bill

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday decided to address the reservations of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) over the FATA Reforms Bill.

The decision was taken during a meeting of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi with party president Nawaz Sharif at the former’s Jati Umra residence.

According to sources, the meeting discussed the country’s political situation and PML-N’s preparations for the upcoming general elections in 2018.

The meeting also decided to increase interaction with public and party workers before the elections.

The former prime minister said that his party was willing to make sacrifices for the cause of democracy. “[We] are ready to make any sacrifice for democracy,” he said.

Nawaz further said that accountability in the present situation seemed to be unlikely and a strong parliament will lead to strong institutions.

The meeting between Nawaz and Abbasi concluded later in the evening.

Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leaders were part of the meeting.

Earlier, the chief minister himself welcomed Prime Minister Abbasi at the airport upon his arrival to Lahore.

The issue of FATA’s merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province remains one of the pending matters for the incumbent government and has dominated the political discourse of the country in recent weeks.

Earlier in the day, the opposition once again staged a walkout from the National Assembly proceedings as the FATA Reforms Bill for the region’s merger with KP remained out of the agenda for yet another session.