LAHORE - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has become active to break the stalemate over the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for inquiry into Panama leaked offshore companies as well as to water-down Opposition-posed dharna threats.
On his return home just two days ago from his 48-day stay in London where he had open heart surgery, the prime minister has begun informal meetings with the key ministers of his cabinet at his Raiwind residence. No official statement was released about PM’s meetings yet party sources say that the premier was given briefings by ministers on developments and measures they undertook regarding running day to day affairs of their respective ministries. Sources say the PM received briefing from Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar on the government members’ meeting with the Opposition on the ToRs and the irritants stayed in the way of progress on the matter.
In addition to that, the PM also met Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan and knew about the National ID Card verification process under the auspices of Nadra to screen out the fake Pakistani ID holders. The prime minister was also informed about law and order situation and progress on Amjad Sabri’s murder case.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who had led the government team on ToR talks with the Opposition, has been asked by the prime minister to contact Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah so that dialogue on finalising the ToRs could be resumed. Sources say the PM also passed his own views on ending the deadlock on the issue to Mr Dar so that a way-out acceptable to both sides could be found out.
Sources say the PM does not want the Opposition to launch the protest drive as the country at this stage of economic take-off, cannot afford the politics of agitation for which he had mentioned earlier at the airport while talking to media immediately after his arrival from London on Saturday. Then the PM had also laid stress on holding talks with the Opposition to end deadlock on ToRs.
The prime minister, as the sources say, while talking to Federal Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid received briefing particularly with regard to elections in AJK and killing of the workers of the political parties. The PM learnt about the elements which were suspected of creating disturbance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir when a gory situation created by the Indian forces following killing of Kashmiri Mujahid Burhan Wani in Occupied Kashmir stayed in the background. The prime minister said he strictly wanted peace and non-violent polls in AJK.
Sources further said the prime minister is also expected to address a public rally in AJK before the polls although he is still in process of full recovery.
Sources say Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who underwent open heart surgery on May 31, is recovering from the pain which he feels in his leg due to long sitting. At this stage, the PM feels much comfortable while walking, they said adding, for this reason, he may extend his stay in the city for a couple of days before resuming full-fledged duties of his office in the federal capital.