PML-Ns Ayaz Sadiq in the National Assembly. Photo: screenshot
SUKCOUR:
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s bid for talks appears to have failed, ruling party leaders on Saturday once again demanded clarification from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that the opposition party was giving mixed signals.
PML-N leaders said the former ruling party had taken contradictory positions on negotiations with the government, warning that political uncertainty would persist unless dialogue replaced confrontation.
These comments were made by Rana Sanaullah, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry while addressing the media in Sukkur.
“On one hand, they (PTI) are saying we should have dialogue and on the other hand, Aleema Khan is saying that anyone who is in favor of dialogue cannot be part of the party,” Chaudhry said.
Sanaullah said PML-N as a political party believed in dialogue, adding that “PML-N and PPP have always tried to ensure that all political parties sit down and resolve their political issues through dialogue.”
However, “the founder of the PTI has had this attitude since 2011 then from 2018 to 2022 and now in 2025”. […] he doesn’t believe in political dialogue.”
He further alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan did this through his “meetings, messages and tweets”.
He said Imran was “denigrating political leaders”, adding that the ban on meetings was “in accordance with the law”.
“As far as dialogue is concerned, we have always remained ready; we always are. If they want to talk, that’s fine; if they don’t, it’s their decision,” he said.
He said Imran’s trials were being held in prison rather than in court because his “protection remained a top priority for the government.”
Speaking separately, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq recalled that the Prime Minister had “reiteratedly reaffirmed that we are ready for dialogue.”
“As president of NA, I have also said that the president’s office is available any time you want to come and speak, but it looks like they will have to make a decision.”
He expressed the hope that “once the PTI accepts […] it is possible to find a way forward.”
“They tell the media they want to talk; there is an office available, they should come and we will accommodate them,” he added.
