PM directs inclusion of opposition in electoral reforms committee

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to start talks with the opposition to make the next elections transparent and to move the electoral reforms process forward.

Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that the opposition be included in the parliamentary committee, to take it into confidence on electoral reforms and build consensus.

The prime minister is willing to hold talks with the opposition on electoral reforms. The government wants to take the process forward through mutual consultation.

For this purpose, progress is being made on a proposal to include five opposition members in the 20-member parliamentary committee on electoral reforms. The prime minister has directed that names of members be sought to ensure the opposition is represented on the committee.

According to sources, the Speaker of the National Assembly will write a letter inviting the opposition to join the committee and asking for the names of five members.

However, the opposition’s response to the invitation and its final position on taking part in the talks are not included in the information provided.