Durrani urges govt to withdraw cases against Imran

Ex-minister says authorities must give PTI chance to engage in political dialogue

ISLAMABAD:

Senior politician and former information minister Muhammad Ali Durrani has advised the government to drop cases against PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan and his party leaders in a bid to create an enabling environment for political reconciliation and economic revival in the country.

“Now is the time to seize the opportunity for political reconciliation and stability in the country. If tensions escalate further, the government may be at risk as it will create a meltdown effect,” Durrani said in an exclusive conversation with a private TV channel.

Durrani referred to polarization and the wave of public resentment, saying political stability is a must for materializing the efforts being made for economic recovery.

Talking about the recent judicial orders, he said that the government must take steps to avoid further embarrassment and give the PTI an opportunity to engage in political dialogue.

“The manner with which the government is facing humiliation in the courts over cases against the PTI founder and his party, is not beneficial for the government or democracy,” he added.

He said that the PTI founder has refused to “cut a deal” but he never refused from engaging in a dialogue. “The dialogue would take place in the parliament rather than through any other institution,” he emphasized.

Durrani said that friendly countries and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are also urging the government to adopt a conciliatory role and promote political stability.

He said that the government should initiate broad-based dialogue by releasing all political prisoners to prevent further shocks and ensure a better future aligning the country on a democratic and constitutional path.

He further stated that the government belongs to the country just as much as the opposition does, and all political parties must eventually face the public in future elections.

Durrani pointed out that the responsibility lies with the leader of PML-N and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who would also want to pursue reconciliation for political stability in the country.

There is no doubt that Nawaz Sharif ranks among the astute and wisest political leaders in the country and this is the reason behind PML-N’s popularity and success, he said, adding that the political strategy at this juncture would benefit or harm none other than Nawaz.

Responding to a question about the possibility of three-time prime minister’s return to power, Durrani said that the country currently needs persuasive leader who can restore public trust in democracy and the Constitution through reconciliation.

“Withdrawing the cases against the PTI founder and his party could create a scenario where Nawaz Sharif could once again become prime minister,” he said.

Durrani noted that the departure from confrontation and shift to reconciliation would positively impact every sector and institution in the country.