Shehbaz Renews Dialogue Offer
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to end its long march and sit-ins, saying political issues should be resolved through dialogue instead of street protests.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass in Islamabad, the prime minister said the government had made sustained efforts to engage with the PTI leadership. He said a joint government committee had held two days of talks with the opposition in the National Assembly Speaker’s Chamber.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government had hoped the negotiations would produce a positive outcome and help end the political confrontation. However, he said the talks did not result in an agreement.
PM Warns of Economic Impact
The prime minister warned that prolonged sit-ins and long marches could affect economic activity. He specifically referred to possible disruptions to exports, manufacturing and imports.
He said the government had worked for around two and a half years to stabilise the economy. He also pointed to improvements in areas including exports, IT exports, remittances and domestic production.
Shehbaz Sharif said any activity that disrupts economic activity could ultimately affect the wider country. He also expressed concern about risks to the lives and property of citizens during large-scale protests.
Government Says Law Will Take Its Course
The prime minister said the government would not allow sit-ins and long marches to continue in a way that threatens public safety. He said the law would take its course and that protecting the lives and property of citizens was the government’s responsibility.
At the same time, Shehbaz Sharif renewed his offer of dialogue. He called on the PTI to end its protest campaign and return to negotiations to address outstanding political issues.
PTI Long March Continues
The latest statement comes as PTI supporters continue their long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards Islamabad. The march is being led by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Reuters reported that the protest began in KP after negotiations between the government and PTI failed to produce an agreement.
The government has deployed security measures along routes leading towards Islamabad, while PTI has continued its demand for political engagement and other issues linked to its leadership.
The renewed call for talks comes amid heightened political tensions between the federal government and PTI. For now, the government has maintained that the march should be called off before further dialogue, while PTI has continued with its protest movement.
Also read: Imran Khan’s Sisters Detained Ahead of PTI Protest
