Islamabad: Senior politician and former Federal Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani has said that the appointment of opposition leaders backed by former prime minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly and Senate is a major confidence-building step that could lead to the emergence of a consensus prime ministerial candidate from the PML-N acceptable to PTI.

In an interview, Muhammad Ali Durrani said the move, carried out on the direction of Nawaz Sharif, may open the door to political reconciliation between the government and opposition, helping reduce political instability in the country.

He stressed that dialogue-not deals-is the only way forward, adding that Imran Khan is capable of taking decisions in the national interest. 'Pressure does not resolve political issues,' he said, calling for a justice-based political solution.

Durrani said reconciliation would benefit Pakistan by improving economic conditions and strengthening state institutions. He added that further confidence-building measures, including easing political restrictions and releasing political detainees, could help further lower tensions.

Commenting on the May 9 incident, Durrani said Pakistan suffered damage and criticized the use of this for political point-scoring. He also expressed concern over the government's economic performance, saying continued instability was harming the country and its people.

He concluded by noting that opposition leaders in parliament were personally recommended by Imran Khan, while Nawaz Sharif's role in their appointment reflected a serious effort toward political reconciliation.