Government breaks deadlock, concedes PAC chairmanship to Shehbaz Sharif

After months of delay and deadlock between the government and opposition, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has conceded to the debate of appointing Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif as chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

During the National Assembly session on Thursday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to give the post to the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) president in the 'larger interest of democracy'. He said that the government had wanted the opposition to nominate any person other than Sharif and since they did not budge from their stance, the government has decided to concede to the opposition's demand.

The foreign minister asserted that it was up to Sharif to either nominate himself as the PAC chairman or any other person and the government will not object, local media reported. Taking to the floor of the Parliament, Sharif welcomed the government's gesture and said that this step by the government will solidify the institution of Parliament.

The government and opposition for months had been on a deadlock over the appointment of PAC chairman. The  opposition had nominated Sharif as PAC chairman while the government were reluctant over this decision as Sharif is facing corruption investigations against him by the National Accountability Bureau. PAC is considered to be the most powerful and important committee of the Parliament.