With elections only a few weeks away, political parties have stepped up their contacts to discuss the formation of a caretaker set-up and possibilities of electoral alliances.

On Wednesday, a delegation of the Pakistan Muslim League-N met leaders of the Jamaat-i-Islami to discuss the caretaker set-up, whereas the parliamentary group of the PML-Q met under Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain to review the progress in talks being held with different parties regarding seat adjustments.

Leader of Opposition in National Assembly, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, and JI chief Munawar Hassan told reporters that the two parties had agreed to complete consultation on caretaker governments for the centre and the provinces within 10 days and all decisions would be made with consensus.

They expressed concern over last week’s agreement between the government and the Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ). They were of the opinion that under the present circumstances, elections in 90 days after dissolution of the assemblies would not be feasible and could deepen the prevailing crisis.They said it would be difficult for the government to make security arrangements for candidates for 90 days. The move would also increase the election expenditures, they said.

Chuadhry Nisar said he had met the JI leader in pursuance of last week’s meeting of opposition leaders held in Raiwind.He said the opposition did not accept the “Islamabad long march declaration”. “We only respect the Constitution.”The PML-N delegation included the party’s secretary general Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, former law minister Zahid Hamid and MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, while Munawar Hassan was assisted by Naib Amir (deputy chief) Dr Mohammad Kamal, former MNA Mian Aslam and Zubair Farooq Khan.

About the PML-Q meeting, the party’s information secretary Kamil Ali Agha said members had discussed options of electoral alliances, besides reviewing the progress made in talks with other parties.He said members had praised Chaudhry Shujaat for defusing the tense situation that had arisen as a result of the long march and sit-in by Dr Tahirul Qadri.