Senior government leaders paid tribute to slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto while also addressing current political challenges, including relations with PTI and the need for parliamentary dialogue.

A delegation of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders led by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq arrived in Sukkur before proceeding to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to attend the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto.

The delegation included Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and members of the National Assembly. The high-level government delegation visited Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the special instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In addition to attending the death anniversary ceremony, the delegation was scheduled to meet the central leadership of the PPP, further underlining political cooperation.

Tribute to Benazir, PPP’s democratic struggle

Speaking to the media, Ayaz Sadiq said Benazir Bhutto was the great daughter of Pakistan who strengthened the role of women and advanced tolerance, forbearance, rule of law, and public welfare.

He said her sacrifices and services remain a beacon of light for the nation, adding that the relationship between PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party is old and rooted in shared sacrifices for democracy.

Ayaz Sadiq confirmed that meetings would also be held with Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during the visit. He said the delegation had come not only to pay tribute but also to strengthen political understanding between coalition partners.

‘Long innings together'

Addressing questions on the political future, the National Assembly speaker said both PML-N and PPP intend to play a long innings together. He noted that he had learned a great deal from the PPP in politics, reflecting the depth of the working relationship between the two parties.

Ayaz Sadiq also reiterated that the doors of dialogue remain open for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

“The prime minister has always said that talks are open, and my office is also open all the time,” he said, adding that PTI would have to come to the National Assembly if it wanted meaningful dialogue.

Responding to a question, Ayaz Sadiq said the PTI founder receiving facilities strictly according to the jail manual. He added that the number of facilities being provided is unprecedented in history, dismissing claims of mistreatment.

Rana Sanaullah criticises PTI leadership

Rana Sanaullah said the PTI founder was spreading anarchy while sitting in jail. He stressed that democracy progresses through dialogue, not deadlock, but described the PTI founder’s political attitude as controversial since the beginning.

Speaking further, Sanaullah said chaos cannot be allowed from jail, and national problems can only be resolved through sustained political dialogue.

He emphasized that deadlock weakens democracy, while engagement and discussion strengthen political systems.