‘Political breakthrough occurs from dialogue but Anarchists and arsonists do not qualify for dialogue’: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that “anarchists and arsonists dressed as politicians and attacking state symbols do not qualify for dialogue.”

In a tweet, he stated that dialogue is deeply embedded in the political process, which aids in the maturation and evolution of democracy.

Dialogue is deeply embedded in the political process, which helps democracy mature & evolve. Many political & constitutional breakthroughs occured when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus.

However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists &…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 30, 2023

“Many political and constitutional breakthroughs have occurred when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus,” he explained.

“However, there is a significant difference here: anarchists and arsonists who dress as politicians and attack state symbols do not qualify for dialogue.”

They should be held accountable for their militant actions. According to the Prime Minister, this is a common practise even in developed democracies.

Also Read: Imran announces the formation of a committee to speak with anyone in power 

His remarks come as political stakeholders call for a dialogue to break the deadlock that has resulted from the May 9 mayhem between the government and the opposition.

The arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on May 9 sparked nationwide protests that turned violent.

Following that, a few state institutions, including the Corps Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore, were attacked. Protesters also set fire to several buildings.

Hundreds of PTI workers and leaders were arrested, and many of them are currently incarcerated.

Later, the government declared that it would “spare no culprit” and try them in military courts if they met the criteria.

On May 17, Prime Minister Shehbaz stated that the roots of the May 9 mutiny on the state, its symbols, and sensitive installations “lie in the contents of Imran Niazi’s speeches over the past year.”

According to him, Imran had liberally deployed religious imagery to brand his political agitation as a war between truth and falsehood.

“He has relentlessly maligned and attacked the armed forces and the sitting Army Chief and very cunningly prepared his cult with the slogans of Haqeeqi Azadi aimed at inciting them for violence we witnessed on May 9.”