The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided to resolve PPP’s concerns over the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to brief both the National Assembly and Senate on October 3 about the defense pact.
Wider policy discussion expected in parliament
Sources further revealed that Ishaq Dar will also take the House into confidence on Pakistan’s position regarding a 20-point agenda tied to relations with the United States.
PPP's interest in agreement details
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the federal government’s largest ally, has said it is still unaware of the details of the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense agreement.
Senior PPP leader and MNA Shazia Marri told Samaa TV that her party is hopeful Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will take Bilawal Bhutto Zardari into confidence upon his return.
PPP awaits briefing on defense pact
In her exclusive conversation with Samaa TV, Shazia Marri noted that while the PPP welcomes the development, the party is waiting to be formally briefed.
Also Read: PML-N, PPP agree to resolve all issues amicably
“The defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is welcome. The PPP is happy if Pakistan gets any diplomatic success. We always welcome every good news regarding the country,” she said.
PPP seeks Bilawal’s inclusion in discussion
Marri emphasized that her party expects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reach out to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari once he returns from his foreign visit. “We are hopeful Bilawal Bhutto will be taken into confidence regarding the agreement,” she added.
On Wednesday, the two parties had reached an agreement to settle all matters through dialogue. A meeting between the PML-N and PPP delegations took place at the National Assembly chamber in Islamabad and concluded successfully. Both parties agreed to resolve differences amicably and pledged to avoid harsh language against each other.
The meeting included Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Rana Mubashir from PML-N. The PPP delegation comprised Syed Naveed Qamar and Ijaz Jakhrani.
Earlier, the PPP had demanded that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz retract her recent statements and issue a public apology, sources said on Wednesday.
The matter was raised during a meeting between a PPP delegation and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, highlighting widening cracks within the ruling coalition.
