Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar took to Twitter to question the government’s decision of holding talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Mustafa Khokhar tweeted, “The question of holding talks with TTP is of immense public importance. This decision can not be taken unilaterally by any individual or the govt.”
“Perhaps we should consider holding of [a] referendum under Article 48(6)(7) of the constitution. Let the nation decide in ‘YES’ or ‘NO’,” added Mustafa.
According to the Constitution of Pakistan, Article 48(6)(7) states, “(6) If at any time the Prime Minister considers it necessary to hold a referendum on any matter of national importance, he may refer the matter to a joint sitting of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and if it is approved in a joint sitting, the Prime Minister may cause such matter to be referred to a referendum in the form of a question that is capable of being answered by either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.”
“(7) An act of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) may lay down the procedure for the holding of a referendum and the compiling and consolidation of the result of a referendum.”
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Monday announced that talks between the government and the TTP were underway in line with the Constitution and that the ceasefire would be extended keeping in view the progress of the talks.
“The state’s sovereignty, national security, peace in relevant areas, and social and economic stability will be considered during the talks,” said Fawad.
