PML-N rules out talks with PTI

Party leaders say Nawaz's call for unity misunderstood

LAHORE:

Right on the heels of PTI dismissing any chance of talks with PML-N, the latter has also firmly stated they have no desire to engage with PTI, clarifying that Nawaz Sharif's call for taking all political parties on board was misinterpreted in the media.

According to Senator Irfan Siddiqui and senior PML-N leader Javed Latif, Nawaz Sharif's recent remarks during a meeting were misconstrued. They said Nawaz was not referring to engaging with PTI when he spoke about uniting all political stakeholders.

Not once during the three-hour-long meeting, held on Saturday, were the words Imran Khan, PTI, or negotiation mentioned, Irfan told The Express Tribune.

The meeting focused solely on two issues: electricity bills and local body elections.

The statement regarding involving all political parties was about tightening belts and the joint effort required to pull the country out of its economic quagmire.

Nawaz even suggested that judges and the establishment might need to be involved, if necessary, the senator further elaborated.

Meanwhile, speaking to The Express Tribune, Javed Latif firmly stated that PML-N, neither directly nor indirectly, plans to reach out to PTI for political dialogue.

He branded PTI as a terrorist organisation, asserting that no exceptions could be made for it. However, he noted that other political stakeholders, such as Akhtar Mengal, must be brought on board for the country's greater good.

It is pertinent to note that despite keeping its intentions under wraps, PML-N has subtly signalled its willingness to engage with PTI on "national issues" multiple times.

However, every time PTI rejects their overtures, stating it will only negotiate with those holding actual power, PML-N has resorted to criticism and even going so far as to brand it a band of terrorists.

Interestingly, these overtures do not come from the fringes; they originate from the main leadership. However, when these efforts are not reciprocated, the party leaders form a chorus to berate PTI, and this instance seems to be no exception.

When questioned about PML-N's previous expressions of interest in engaging with PTI, Senator Irfan Siddiqui lamented the lack of reciprocity. "We have never said that our door for talks is shut on anyone, but with PTI, how can one talk to those who aren't interested in talking to the government?"

PTI only wants to talk to the establishment, not the PML-N-led government, he added. Given that, he added, the PML-N was no longer keen on engaging with PTI.

"It's not just about government engagement; they aren't interested in legislative matters, electoral reforms, or anything else."

Imran Khan has his own three-point agenda: let him walk a free man, drop the cases against his wife, and release all his workers and party leaders.