Caretaker minister’s political talks amid Election buzz hint towards harmony

ISLAMABAD: Amid growing speculation about the possibility of a reconciliation dialogue among political stakeholders, Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi conducted separate meetings with leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday.

According to Dawn.com, the discussions follow a recent meeting between Solangi and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Shafqat Mehmood, where the idea of a grand national reconciliation dialogue was reportedly proposed.

Mehmood claimed that the Information Minister endorsed the concept, emphasising its importance before the upcoming polls.

“This dialogue is essential for moving in the right direction before the elections. Let’s come together and set a target for the next 10 years. Solangi has agreed to the proposal,” Mehmood stated.

However, in response to inquiries by Dawn, Solangi denied that the caretaker government has any agenda regarding a grand national reconciliation dialogue.

Despite not confirming Mehmood’s account of their meeting, Solangi clarified, “There is no such agenda on the table for our cabinet. We have not decided anything on that matter.”

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Solangi clarified that his meetings with leaders from various political parties were not in his capacity as a federal minister but rather as an old friend. “We have old friends in all political parties,” he mentioned.

Regarding the meeting with Mehmood, Solangi stated, “Shafqat Mehmood is a free man, and he can talk about anything under the sun.”

When asked whether he would deny Mehmood’s claims, Solangi responded, “Why should I deny what Mehmood claims to have said to me? As I have said, he is a free man and he can say anything he likes.”

According to the information ministry’s media wing, Solangi discussed issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming general elections, in separate meetings with Mussadiq Malik of the PML-N and Syed Akhunzada Chattan of the PPP.

He assured leaders of both parties that the caretaker government would ensure the elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial atmosphere.

Earlier this week, Solangi also met with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the current political situation. Speculation is rising in some political circles that a national government-like setup may emerge after the general elections in January next year, with representation from all mainstream political parties.