Imran Khan willing to discuss early polls with PM Shehbaz Sharif, says senior Pakistani lawmaker
The Hindu
Imran Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April, becoming the first premier in Pakistan's history to be ousted through a no-trust motion
Pakistan's former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has claimed that ousted premier Imran Khan is ready to discuss the holding of early elections with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as he made a strong case for clearing "misunderstandings" between the ruling and opposition parties.
Mr. Rashid, who heads the Awami National League-Pakistan, is a key alliance partner of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
PTI activists are set to launch a mega-march to the federal capital, Islamabad, from all corners of the country at the end of the month, demanding dates of early elections, Dawn News reported.
Mr. Rashid said the demonstrations should be limited to convincing the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold early polls and no other state institution should be attacked.
"I have started efforts yesterday to remove misunderstanding between them (PTI and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz),” Mr. Rashid was quoted in an article published in VOA News on Monday.
“I am in favour of peace with the Army, but in case of ‘war’ I will stand by Imran Khan,” Mr. Rashid said.