PM invites Achakzai for fresh talks on ECP posts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has again invited Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, for fresh negotiations, with appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan among the issues under discussion. The invitation was sent in a letter, according to a report by Minute Mirror.

The prime minister's latest letter contains an invitation for negotiations and seeks a meeting with Achakzai, Minute Mirror reported, citing sources. The letter also discusses consultations regarding appointments to the Election Commission. The federal government has been trying to engage the opposition on political and institutional matters, and the prime minister has previously contacted the opposition leadership in an effort to maintain dialogue and reach agreement on issues requiring consultation.

Opposition spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai confirmed that the letter from the prime minister had been received. However, Yousafzai said the opposition believed the government appeared to be moving away from commitments made during previous meetings. "We have received the letter," he said, adding that the opposition expected Rana Sanaullah and other government representatives to honour the commitments they had previously made.

The latest communication is expected to determine whether further talks between the government and opposition leadership will take place, Minute Mirror reported. The issue of appointments to the Election Commission is among the matters requiring consultation between the government and opposition. A separate report by The News also said the prime minister invited Achakzai to discuss ECP appointments.

The reports did not specify when the meeting might take place or the full list of issues to be discussed. The opposition's response indicates that while it has received the letter, it wants the government to first act on commitments from earlier rounds of engagement before formal talks resume.