Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to call off its long march towards Islamabad. He also asked the party to return to dialogue to resolve political differences.
Shehbaz made the appeal while speaking at the inauguration of the Kashmir Chowk underpass in Islamabad. He said the government and its coalition partners had made several attempts to engage PTI in talks.
The prime minister said both sides held discussions for two days at National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s chambers. However, the talks failed to produce an agreement.
PM Shehbaz Wants PTI to Resume Talks
Shehbaz Sharif said political disputes should not harm Pakistan’s economy. He urged PTI to end its march and sit-in and resolve its concerns through negotiations.
The prime minister said Pakistan had achieved macroeconomic stability during the past two and a half years. He added that the country now needs to focus on economic growth and stability.
Shehbaz also warned that prolonged protests could disrupt economic activity. He said demonstrations could affect exports, imports and manufacturing.
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also addressed the issue. He said the government could consider further talks if PTI ends its marches and protests. He added that the government was also considering constitutional options.
Why PTI-Government Talks Failed
The latest talks ended without an agreement. The two sides disagreed over counterterrorism policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PTI also wants access to Imran Khan for consultations. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said meaningful reconciliation could not move forward without Khan’s involvement.
Raja also called for a mutually agreed strategy between the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments on counterterrorism measures.
The federal government says it made serious efforts to reach an agreement. Officials have also called for greater cooperation from the KP government on security matters.
PTI March Continues Toward Islamabad
Despite Shehbaz Sharif’s appeal, PTI continues its long march towards Islamabad. The party wants the government to release Imran Khan and address its other political demands.
The federal government has warned PTI against turning the protest into an unlawful gathering in the capital.
The political standoff remains unresolved. The government says it remains willing to engage in dialogue if PTI ends its protest. The next major development will depend on whether both sides return to negotiations or continue their political confrontation.
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