Awami Muslim League chief and former federal interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has expressed doubts about the success of the ongoing political dialogue, though he hoped for a positive outcome.

Speaking to the media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, Rashid stated that successful talks could inspire hope in the nation.

However, he warned against turning the process into a joke. He emphasised that prisons were overcrowded, and the poor were suffering.

He called for negotiations to result in the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission.

Rashid reiterated his demand for a general amnesty for political detainees, noting that previous governments issued pardons in the past.

He warned that the current administration was under international pressure and risked further economic collapse. “The government lacks public support, and significant decisions must be made in the coming weeks,” he emphasised.

The former minister mentioned the numerous cases filed against him, stating that they have left him weary of life.

He advised the government to focus on street vendors rather than looking at the stock market.

Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Tuesday called on Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi here in Islamabad, Dunya news reported.

The duo discussed overall political situation of the country and matters of mutual interest. They also mulled over steps to give relief to the people and finding long-term solutions of the problems faced by the people.

“Pakistan’s economy is out of danger now as all economic indicators are positive. Disillusionment is a sin and people who spread hopelessness are working on a different agenda,” said Naqvi.

Siddiqui echoed the stance of the interior minister by saying those who create hindrances don’t care about well-being of the people of Pakistan.

The Peshawar High Court has demanded a response from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the delay in conducting Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Waqar Ahmed heard the case filed by PTI leader Azam Swati, challenging the non-holding of Senate elections in the province.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer stated that a request had been submitted to conduct the Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The ECP’s counsel informed the court that consultations on the matter were still ongoing following a December 10 meeting. He further told that a revision petition on reserved seats was pending in the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim granted the ECP two weeks to submit their response. However, when the ECP’s counsel requested additional time, the court expressed reluctance to allow indefinite delays.

The court emphasised the importance of adhering to a timeline and set January 16 as the deadline for the ECP’s reply, adjourning the hearing until then.