National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf has advised the government to change its “stubborn position” on the election issue.

“I think… let’s say the election issue. We are heading towards a personal ego that has become my personal ego issue. Never this has happened. You have to listen to everybody. Similarly, I think the government should not obstinate over this,” he said in an interview with Voice of America Urdu that was aired on Sunday.

The NA speaker was responding to a query pertaining to steps the chief justice of Pakistan should take so that matters cool down.

The Supreme Court’s decision on election to the Punjab Assembly and the ruling coalition’s decision to clip CJP’s powers has led to a stand-off situation between the two pillars of the state. Many people have supported the government’s cause, however, they are wary of the timing since the matters related to the snap polls.

He went on to add that the government should never take its political matters to the court, stressing the need for resolving matters by sitting together and using Parliament. “How can this happen that we cannot decide matters in Parliament? Sit outside Parliament, at any forum. Use any third forum if someone has any problem, but resolve your political matters by your own self.”

Ashraf, who belongs to the PPP, was of the view that not just politicians but the judiciary also suffer when matters are taken to the courts.

“This will weaken the judiciary. There could be divisions in politics but divisions in Supreme Court is dangerous,” Ashraf said and warned that the apex court cannot work amid ‘divisions’.