PDM govt on the same page about elections: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD  –In a speech to the federal cabinet on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that it was not the role of the Supreme Court to mediate disputes between political parties. He claimed that the coalition government was adamant about pushing for same-day elections. According to sources, the prime minister stated that the government and its allies supported the top court’s 4-3 decision and that parliament had rejected the three-judge panel’s decision from April 4. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Supreme Court was still attempting to move the case forward by the three-member bench, despite not paying attention to the concerns of the parliament.

Talking about the role of the Supreme Court in talks between the PTI and coalition government, the prime minister said the top court’s job was not mediation but to give decisions in line with the constitution.

He also levelled allegations against the PTI that rather than helping the incumbent set-up, it made the matters worse. He added that despite unsupportive behaviour of the PTI, the incumbent set-up was ready to hold talks with it for the country’s sake.

Highlighting the elections date, he said the current assembly would complete its term on Aug 13 and the polls would be held after 90 days of completion of the assembly. He said there was consensus within the ruling parties that the polls should be held on the same day.