Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday ruled out the possibility of any reconciliation with PTI he termed as “seditious elements,” stressing that any future dialogue would only be possible following a complete surrender.
Speaking informally to the media in London, Dar made pointed remarks aimed at the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that there could be “no deal with sedition,” and insisted that those responsible for the events of May 9 must face consequences through due legal process.
“Justice appears to be prevailing in the May 9 cases. Those who were involved are paying the price,” he said. “If someone has been punished after a transparent legal procedure, what can we do? It is unfortunate that millions of dollars are being spent to malign Pakistan’s institutions abroad.”
The PML-N leader also launched a scathing attack on PTI’s founding chairman, alleging that his policies and actions had undermined Pakistan’s national interests.
“The leadership of PTI has actively harmed the country’s standing,” Dar claimed.
Belarus visit and manpower cooperation
Dar also briefed reporters on his recent visit to Belarus, describing it as a significant diplomatic success. He said talks had been held regarding the potential export of 150,000 skilled workers from Pakistan to Belarus, along with collaboration in the manufacturing of heavy machinery.
“This is a comprehensive process. The Belarusian government will soon provide us with details of the sectors in which they require manpower. While they were sourcing talent globally, they have agreed—at our request—to allocate the entire quota to Pakistan,” he said.
Dar added that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shares a longstanding and “very close” friendship with the President of Belarus, which had facilitated these discussions.
Nawaz Sharif's role in politics
In response to a question about Nawaz Sharif's political future, Dar dismissed the notion that the PML-N leader had ever exited the political stage.
“When did he ever leave politics? He remains the president of the PML-N, and both federal and provincial governments continue to seek his guidance,” said the deputy prime minister.
Dar also revealed that members of the UK-based Pakistani diaspora serving in the cabinet would attend the upcoming overseas convention in Islamabad. He confirmed that the government was actively pursuing the establishment of an international airport in Azad Kashmir, and advertisements had already been issued for a feasibility study. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to make an announcement on the project during the convention.
Safe Basant Festival in Punjab
On a cultural note, Dar confirmed that the Punjab government was moving forward with plans to revive the traditional Basant festival in a safe and regulated manner.
As reported earlier, the provincial administration under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has constituted a high-level committee to prepare for the festival, slated for February 2026. Officials are considering hosting the event in Lahore’s historic Walled City over two days.
Under the proposed safety measures, motorcycles would be banned during the festivities, and only registered vendors would be permitted to sell kites and twine, according to sources familiar with the planning process.
Killing of Pakistani nationals in Iran
Dar also condemned the killing of eight Pakistani workers in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province, calling on the Iranian authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly.
The Pakistani nationals, employed as automobile mechanics, were gunned down at a workshop in Mehrestan district near the Afghan border on Saturday. Iranian media confirmed the incident. Six of the victims hailed from Khanqa Sharif in Bahawalpur, while two were from Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia.
“We have taken the matter seriously and have demanded answers from Iran,” Dar said. “The loss of innocent Pakistani lives abroad must not go unaddressed.”
