Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the critical role of dialogue and communication among political parties, describing it as a cornerstone of democracy and a key driver of national unity and progress.
In a meeting with Senator Irfan Siddiqui, the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the need for reconciliation and cooperation to tackle pressing national issues, including economic challenges and the fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the avoidance of dialogue, calling it undemocratic and counterproductive, as it fosters tension and undermines efforts to achieve national unity.
“Pakistan needs reconciliation and harmony, not confrontation and conflict,” the PM stated.
He emphasized that productive communication between political parties is essential for creating a unified strategy to address the nation’s challenges, particularly in areas like economic stability and counterterrorism. He also reiterated that Pakistan’s development and international standing are improving, and efforts to disrupt this progress through undemocratic actions will not be tolerated.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui briefed the Prime Minister on recent discussions with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) committee. PM Sharif expressed optimism that continued dialogue would lead to national unity and collective progress.
On January 23, PTI announced the suspension of negotiations with the government, citing a lack of cooperation and the failure to establish a judicial commission as the main reasons. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, revealed that PTI founder Imran Khan decided to end the talks after the government refused to form a three-judge commission to investigate the violent incidents of May 9, 2023. “Negotiations cannot proceed unless a three-member judicial commission is formed,” Khan stated, stressing that PTI entered the talks with hopes of resolving issues but had to walk away due to the government’s alleged unwillingness to cooperate.
However, Senator Irfan Siddiqui extended an invitation to PTI to meet with party founder Imran Khan if the party agrees to attend the fourth round of negotiations scheduled for January 28.
In a subsequent appearance on private channel program on January 26, Senator Siddiqui noted that PTI had initially shown enthusiasm for the talks but had displayed inconsistent decision-making and immature behavior during the process. “It is now difficult to facilitate them in the negotiation process,” he remarked.
