Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of dialogue and communication between political parties, calling it the essence of democracy and a crucial tool for fostering national unity and progress.
During a meeting with Senator Irfan Siddiqui, the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday, Shehbaz Sharif underlined the need for reconciliation and harmony to address pressing national issues, including economic stability and countering terrorism.
The PM expressed concern over the avoidance of dialogue, terming it undemocratic behaviour that breeds tension and damages the atmosphere of national unity.
"Pakistan needs reconciliation and harmony, not confrontation and conflict," he stated.
He further highlighted that effective communication between political parties helps develop a common strategy to resolve challenges faced by the nation and ensures a collaborative approach toward building the economy and eliminating terrorism.
Also Read: Irfan Siddiqui's offer to PTI: Agree to attend Jan 28 talks, meet Imran
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s development and global standing are improving, and no one will be allowed to disrupt this progress through undemocratic means.
During the meeting, Senator Irfan Siddiqui briefed the PM on the discussions with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) committee. PM Sharif expressed optimism that constructive dialogue would pave the way for national unity and collective progress.
On Jan 23, the PTI had announced the end of its negotiations with the government, citing a lack of cooperation and failure to announce a judicial commission as key reasons.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, had disclosed that PTI Founder Imran Khan made the decision to end the negotiations after the government refused to form a three-judge commission to investigate the May 9, 2023, violent incidents.
Also Read: PTI hints at resuming talks with govt over judicial commission issue
“Negotiations cannot proceed unless a three-member judicial commission is formed,” Gohar stated. He emphasized that the PTI had entered talks with the hope of resolving issues, but had to discontinue due to the government’s alleged unwillingness to cooperate.
He further stressed that negotiations could continue if a commission was formed, adding that his party wanted the talks to succeed.
Later on Jan 26, Senator Irfan Siddiqui offered the PTI an opportunity to meet its party founder, Imran Khan, if it committed to attending the fourth session of talks between the two sides scheduled for January 28.
Speaking in Samaa TV program ‘Mere Sawal’, Irfan Siddiqui said the PTI started the talks with enthusiasm, but its decision-making is not in accordance with the rules, adding that the party maintained a childish attitude during the talks. "Now, it is difficult to facilitate them in the negotiation process," he stated.
