ISLAMABAD(National Times)- The National Dialogue Committee on Tuesday said that a national government made up of political parties should be formed with an aim to pull the country out of economic crisis. The committee also called for a debate about creating new provinces to fix administrative problems.

At a press conference held at the National Press Club, former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail and Mahmood Maulvi said the country can no longer afford confrontation. They called for a political arrangement that would bring stability and revive the economy.

They said the challenges being faced by the country could not be resolved by a single political party or government. They said a joint national strategy based on consensus was the need of the hour.

National govt formation urged to bring stability and revive economy

The committee leaders said that a national government would bring together all political forces and mainstream stakeholders, reduce polarisation and restore public confidence in democratic institutions and ensure continuity of economic policies.

They also called for a debate on establishing new provinces. They said that the existing administrative units needed review because of population growth, expanding cities and growing demands for better and quick services.

Mr Chaudhry said that creating provinces could help solve administrative difficulties and improve service delivery.

However, he stressed that the issue must follow requirements, public aspirations and national consensus, not just political considerations.

The committee also called for taking measures to strengthen economy, control inflation, create jobs, support industries, strengthen agriculture and increase exports.

They maintained that political differences should be resolved through negotiations and not via confrontation.