ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said Prime Minister Imran Khan was determined to meet democratic demands of the opposition.

Addressing a news conference along with Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri in Islamabad, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said government’s doors were open for dialogue with the opposition to resolve all issues through political means.

She said the prime minister had already constituted a high-level committee led by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak for holding talks with Jamiat Ulema e Islam- Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazl ur Rehman and leaders of other opposition parties.

The special assistant urged the opposition leaders to come up with positive and viable recommendations with regard to electoral and economic reforms if they had.

Also Read: Govt conditionally allows JUI-F to hold ‘Azadi March’

She, however, made it clear that the government’s desire for negotiations should not be taken as weakness.

“Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman cannot be allowed to hold the majority hostage,” she added.

Welcoming the softness in stance of Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman during his address to the protest sit-in in Islamabad on Saturday night, Firdous Ashiq Awan hoped that JUI-F chief would adopt reconciliatory approach and avoid confrontation.

She said the protesters should honour their agreement with the city administration in letter and spirit.

Earlier, addressing the protestors Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman had announced to extend the protest sit-in in Islamabad to press for their demands. He, however, had hinted that he had no plan to march towards D-Chowk.

He had said future strategy would be announced after consultation with heads of other opposition parties.

Speaking on the occasion, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said religion should not be used for political motives.

He said the government of Imran Khan cannot think of recognizing Israel and reversing the law declaring Qadiyanis as non-Muslims.

The minister said the government was going to organize an international Rehmatul-lil-Aalimeen conference in Islamabad to highlight different aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). 

He said religious scholars from across the world including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Tunisia will participate in the conference.