Raja Pervaiz urges political parties to resolve differences through dialogue

ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Thursday urged political parties to promote dialogue and adopt a constructive approach to political differences, saying confrontational politics had caused losses to the country, its political system and democracy.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency, he said such measures were constitutional matters, but democratic forces generally tried to avoid them. However, circumstances sometimes forced governments to take difficult decisions.

Recalling his tenure as prime minister, he said governor’s rule had been imposed in Balochistan despite the provincial government being led by a chief minister from his own party.

He said the issue should also be viewed in the context of political attitudes and the failure to resolve differences through negotiations.

“Politics is about dialogue and negotiations. A politician sits at the table, listens to others, presents his own point of view and tries to reach an understanding,” he said, adding that refusing to engage with political opponents weakened the democratic process.

Ashraf said political parties should reflect on why negotiations often failed despite discussions on democracy, the Constitution and the country’s future.

Referring to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said its confrontational approach during its time in power had contributed to political tensions.

He recalled raising concerns in 2018 over the direction of the government and its approach towards parliamentary affairs.

He said political popularity should translate into benefits for the country, its people and the party itself.

A party’s popularity alone was not enough if its political strategy resulted in setbacks for its own government and the democratic system, he added.

The former prime minister said political differences should not lead to a reduction in political space for any party, as restrictions on one party could ultimately affect the entire political system.

Referring to a point raised by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said reducing political space for one party could also limit opportunities for other political forces.

He urged political parties not to take satisfaction in the difficulties faced by their opponents, saying a healthy democratic system required tolerance, dialogue and respect for political differences.

Ashraf said the constitutional and legal aspects of imposing an emergency or governor’s rule should be assessed in accordance with the Constitution and the law.