PPP signals flexibility on legislation

Backchannel contacts between the government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have reportedly yielded progress towards ending a weeks-long political and legislative deadlock between the two coalition partners as National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq plays a key role in brokering the talks. According to a private television channel report, the behind-the-scenes efforts have helped ease differences between the government and the PPP as the latter shows willingness to adopt a more flexible position on legislation. Further contacts are continuing between the two sides to settle their remaining differences. The reported breakthrough comes after weeks of friction that had disrupted parliamentary business. In August, the PPP had withheld cooperation on legislation after its lawmakers blocked or deferred government business in the NA and parliamentary committees. The party had linked its position to unresolved grievances, including its reservations over the AJK elections and other political issues. The tensions had become particularly visible on the floor of the National Assembly on August 19, when the government was forced to defer a sizeable legislative agenda after the PPP declined to cooperate. The standoff also affected parliamentary quorum. Against this backdrop, sources said the government had given NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq a full mandate to maintain contacts and negotiate with the PPP to resolve the impasse. The speaker subsequently held meetings with PPP leaders in his chamber as the two sides explored ways to restore cooperation on parliamentary affairs. Sources say progress has been made in the discussions and the PPP is also prepared to show flexibility on legislation.