Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended on Wednesday an olive branch to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, urging him to come forward for dialogue if he has any grievances.
Addressing a session of the National Assembly, the premier stressed the need for unity and cooperation to steer the country towards economic stability.
"In my first speech, I stressed the importance of the Charter of Democracy. Now, it is imperative that we agree on a Charter of Economy," said Sharif. He lamented the rejection of his previous offers for dialogue, noting that the slogans raised in the House during those times will be remembered as a dark chapter in history.
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Sharif highlighted the current political bitterness and the hesitancy among politicians to even shake hands. "Today, after 76 years, we have reached a point where we hesitate to extend even basic courtesies to one another. There has been much criticism and opposition, but politicians have always shared each other's pain and suffering," he said.
The Prime Minister's appeal comes in the wake of PTI leader Ali Muhammad's emotional speech in the National Assembly. Sharif recalled his own painful experience of being denied permission to attend his mother's funeral while he was in jail. "I do not wish the same suffering on anyone. I urge them to sit down and talk, to work together for the development and prosperity of Pakistan," he declared.
Sharif's call for unity was further underscored during the budget speech by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who announced significant amendments to the Finance Bill 2024-25. The Prime Minister confirmed that the budget was prepared in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to the country's current economic situation.
"We had to prepare the budget together with the IMF," said Sharif, addressing concerns raised by members of the National Assembly regarding the deprivations of South Punjab and the wealth tax. He expressed optimism about the IMF program, refraining from making premature statements but promising to share any updates with Parliament.
Sharif also hinted at potential positive developments, expressing hope for 'good news' without clarifying whether it pertained to the IMF bailout package or tax relaxation on fertilizers.
PTI responds to Shehbaz's offer
On the other, Omar Ayub -PTI's stalwart and Opposition leader in NA- responding to PM Shehbaz's offer said stating, "We will engage in dialogue when the prisoners of military court cases are released, and we regain our 180 seats."
His remarks prompted protests from the opposition, demanding Ayub be allowed to speak further.
"Your government came into power as a result of a deal with General Bajwa," Ayub asserted, referencing a contentious issue in Pakistan's political landscape. "If Form 45 had been implemented, the founder of PTI would be the Prime Minister today," he added, referencing electoral documents.
Ayub further pointed to alleged mistreatment of women prisoners, including PTI's founder and Bushra Bibi, adding fuel to the already tense exchanges. "Reconciliation will occur when these injustices are acknowledged," Ayub declared, emphasizing the opposition's demands.
"My leader is kept in a death cell while receiving air conditioning," Ayub claimed, referencing a meeting with the Army Chief where demands were made for accountability.
