KABUL - Some senators on Tuesday renewed their call for the government to announce dates for holding parliamentary and district council elections and asked President Ghani to highlight Pakistan’s support for terrorism in the ‘Heart of Asia Conference.’

Speaking at upper house session, lawmakers said President Ghani should courageously convey the “Heart of Asia” conference participants what the people of Afghanistan wanted and should avoid temporary solutions.

Senator Zalmai Zabuli said: “The president should use the golden opportunity to unveil the real face of Pakistan.”

Senators Gul Ahmad Azami and Mohammad Alam Ezedyar expressed similar sentiments.

“Instability in Afghanistan will destabilise the entire region and the world. The president should highlight the role of Pakistan in breading terrorism,” said Azami.

Senate chairman Fazl Hadi Muslimyar hoped the conference would yield positive outcome for the people of Afghanistan.

Election dates

Senator Gul Ahmad Azami said the delay in holding parliamentary election would further widen the gap between the government and the people and make them lose hope in future governments.

“If the elections date is not specified which assembly will the president inaugurate next spring? The illegal assembly?”

Senator Nader Baloch said: “right now the lower house is working illegally and the upper house is also lacking its one-thirds members.”

The one-thirds Senate members are selected from among district council members, but the district council elections have taken place in Afghanistan so far.

Muslimyar said: “It’s the duty of government to facilitate elections and announce the dates soon.” (Pajhwok)