Government Renews Invitation to Opposition Leader Achakzai for Consultations on ECP Appointments

The government has renewed its invitation to Opposition Leader Mahmood Achakzai to meet at the National Assembly Speaker’s Chamber for consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the venue should not be an obstacle when discussions concern national interests and constitutional affairs.

Minister’s Message

Chaudhry said the specific venue is of little consequence when it comes to matters of national importance, and urged the opposition leader to visit the Speaker’s Chamber to hold talks on the ECP appointments. He said dialogue should proceed in the interest of the country and constitutional affairs.

About the Speaker’s Chamber

The minister said the Speaker’s Chamber is a state space and does not belong to the government. He said the National Assembly Speaker treats the government and the opposition equally, and described the Speaker as impartial. He added that even speaking in the National Assembly requires the Speaker’s permission, which underscores the Speaker’s role in parliamentary proceedings.