Shehbaz rules out talks with ‘arsonists’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ruled out talks with ‘anarchists’ and ‘arsonists’ – a euphemism directed at that the PTI for its role in the May 9 violence.

The prime minister’s statement came after PTI Chairman Imran Khan made an offer of holding political dialogue and constituted a seven-member “negotiation committee” without giving any explanation about who the committee will be negotiating with.

The government has already rejected to sit with the former prime minister, saying the time to settle disputes through negotiations was long gone.

In a Tweet on Tuesday, the prime minister, while emphasising that dialogue was a key to evolving democracy, categorically stated that it could not be held with ‘anarchists’ and ‘arsonists’ under the garb of politicians.

The prime minister said dialogue was deeply embedded in the political process, which helped democracy mature and evolve.

He said many political and constitutional breakthroughs occurred when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus.

“However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists and arsonists who wear the garb of politicians and attack the symbols of the state do not qualify for a dialogue,” he said.

The prime minister emphasised that such people should be held accountable for their militant actions. He also termed it a prevalent practice even in developed democracies.