Imran hurdle in resolving political disputes: Adviser

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has termed incarcerated Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan a hurdle in resolving political disputes and said the federal government is ready to hold talks with the opposition on all matters.

- Tariq Butt

He told a TV channel that the government was not engaging in talks with the opposition due to the stance of the PTI founder. He said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif extended a clear invitation to the opposition on the floor of the National Assembly.

Sanaullah said that they have discussed different matters with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lawmakers related to the imposition of the general sales tax (GST) in erstwhile tribal areas. He added that the decision to impose GST in the tribal areas was put off for a year and a committee has held discussions in meetings on the matter.

The premier's aide said that tax exemptions and other incentives were retained in the past as per decisions taken in the meetings, however, the chamber of commerce and industries expressed reservations.

However, officials said that the government and opposition lawmakers held discussions on budget-related matters particularly the issues pertaining to the tribal areas. They added that Sanaullah and Amir Muqam represented the government side while PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar were part of the PTI delegation that took part in the consultation process. The meeting was also attended by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman.