ISLAMABAD, April 26 (APP): Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) Speaker in the Senate Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui on Friday said that there is no political prisoner in the country at present while the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was for behind bars for convictions in various cases.
Senator Siddiqui, who participated in the debate on the President's speech in the upper house, had said in the past that the PML-N leadership had to face jail in false cases but his government did not want to continue the politics of revenge.
Extending an olive branch to the opposition parties, he said that if the PTI could hold talks with its traditional political rivals, then why could it not sit on the table with the government in the interest of the country.
“The opposition should hold talks with the ministries of finance to solve the country's critical problems and crises. It should identify problems and issues of national interest and also propose their solutions. At the same time, they should bear criticism with an open heart because it is part of debate and discourse and political norms,” he added.
Senator Siddiqui condemned the intimidation of the judiciary in the past and in the current era.
He welcomed Senate Speaker Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani on assuming office, hoping that constructive debates on national affairs will be held in the House under the presidency.
He appreciated President Asif Ali Zardari for his speech in a joint session of Parliament in which he addressed national issues.
He said the President called on all political parties to play their vital role for the bright future of the nation and lead the country out of all crises.
“Currently, the country is facing many challenges at the international level, so all political parties should avoid their differences and instead of scoring points, they should work unitedly for the betterment of the country and its citizens.”
