National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has once again urged the opposition to adopt the path of dialogue, stressing that both he and the prime minister have repeatedly stated that the “doors are open for negotiations.”
Addressing the media outside Parliament House, he said meaningful talks can only happen “after sitting together,” but expressed disappointment that the opposition continues to avoid engagement.
‘Pointing fingers at national institutions shameful’
Sadiq strongly condemned criticism of Pakistan’s armed forces and judiciary, calling it “a very painful thing” for the nation. He said Pakistan’s army has fought wars, sacrificed lives, and defended the country against terrorism, and “if you raise your finger at such an institution, it is a shame.”
“We are proud of Pakistan’s forces, which have raised the country’s prestige in the world,” he said, adding that the nation’s honour has reached heights “never seen before” because of their efforts.
The speaker reiterated that anti-armed forces, anti-judiciary, and anti-Pakistan rhetoric will not be tolerated in the House.
Controversial tweets derail reconciliation efforts
Ayaz Sadiq shared that he had taken four steps toward the opposition, attempting to bridge divides, but after controversial tweets surfaced, “I had to take 40 steps back.”
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He noted that tweets were made against things Pakistanis should be proud of, which undermined trust and goodwill.
Still, he emphasized that the only viable path forward is negotiation, saying, “This politics will remain here. If there is Pakistan, we all are here.”
Willingness to mediate
The speaker said that if the opposition approached him, he would ensure government members sat before them for dialogue. “It remains to be seen what is in the interest of Pakistan,” he said, urging both sides to prioritize national stability over political rivalry.
He welcomed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar’s recent remarks about dialogue, describing them as a positive step.
Ayaz Sadiq reminded all political actors that young soldiers had laid down their lives to protect Pakistan, and the field marshal had fought wars for national survival. “We cannot allow anyone to target these institutions,” he said. “We cannot do this alone; all sides must act responsibly.”
He stressed that Pakistan’s prosperity depends on mutual respect, democratic continuity, and returning to the table for negotiations.
Earlier in the day, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar issued a stark warning, claiming the government is attempting to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and cautioning that if the current situation persists, the country could become “uncontrollable within a month.”
Addressing journalists, he said that if PTI is pushed out of the political arena, “these people will also not remain,” stressing that such attempts threaten democratic stability.
‘Answering bricks with stones must end’
Barrister Gohar said the PTI is ready to take “responsible steps” to normalize the situation in the country, but “powerful circles must also move forward". He urged all sides to abandon the practice of retaliation, saying, “The practice of answering bricks with stones will have to be abandoned. This country has had enough now.”
He added that some “out-of-the-way requests” have been made to PTI but refused to disclose details at this stage.
Pressure, restrictions, attempts to silence PTI
The PTI chairman said that ever since the elections, “atrocities have been inflicted on PTI”, and stressed that nothing will be achieved through force or suppression. He accused authorities of blocking meetings with the party founder and noted that even “Bushra Bibi’s meetings are also closed, and no tweets are coming from her.”
He questioned the government’s reasoning: “If the meetings are banned because of tweeting, then why is Bushra Bibi not allowed to meet anyone?”
Gohar insisted that lawyers and family members must be allowed to meet the PTI founder, as per court orders.
