Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, former prime minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, on Sunday demanded the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government immediately convene joint session of the parliament to discuss the issues confronting the country both on domestic and external fronts, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said keeping in view recent changes in the region, particularly in Afghanistan, it was necessary that parliamentarians put their heads together so that a joint strategy could be chalked out. “PPP has always been in favour of cordial relations with the country’s neighbours. Peaceful Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest,” former prime minister said, and added, “Tomorrow, if God forbid the country faces any challenge, the government cannot pull it out of it on its own.”

PPP leader stressed that the issues confronting the country were over and above personal interests. “Our entire focus should be on resolving these issues,” he asserted.

Raja Pervaiz said that the PTI failed to fulfil a single promise it had made to the nation prior to coming to power three years ago. “The country cannot be governed through ordinances,” he opined.

He urged the government to listen to the opposition parties’ concerns over the electronic voting machine. “It is unfortunate that the government is not listening to the opposition’s point of view on the subject,” he regretted.