PML-N's mixed signals on talks with PTI

LAHORE:

The PML-N appears to be in a state of disarray as conflicting statements about engaging in talks with the PTI continue to emerge from within the party.

Some leaders argue against any dialogue, while others suggest conditional talks.

Moreover, adding to the confusion, some claim PTI is unwilling to engage, while others bizarrely assert that PTI is seeking an NRO from Nawaz Sharif.

The PML-N, despite having the winds in their sails, does not seem to be enjoying smooth sailing, as evidenced by their contradictory positions regarding the PTI, which appear to be all over the place.

The confusion is speculated to stem from differences between the Nawaz and Shehbaz factions.

As this confusion regarding engagement with the PTI had not yet settled within the party, Information Minister Azma Bukhari made another bold claim, stating that Imran Khan was trying to seek an NRO from them, despite senior PML-N leaders claiming that PTI and Imran were not even ready to talk to them.

In a recent press conference, Information Minister Punjab Azma Bukhari claimed that Imran Khan has been begging for negotiations with Nawaz Sharif for the past one and a half years.

She added that Nawaz Sharif does not even consider it appropriate to mention Imran Khan's name, describing Imran as ungrateful, backstabbing, and opportunistic, with no one willing to sit with him.

Bukhari asserted that Imran Khan is desperately seeking negotiations, but the PML-N has no interest.

The PTI's political orphans are creating imaginary scenarios on their own. One who refers to their benefactors as Mir Jafar cannot be trusted."

She made these remarks in response to Barrister Saif's statement.

Strangely, her own party's senior-most leader, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, left Azma with an egg on her face when he asserted that PTI was not ready to hold any dialogue with them.

Siddiqui said that Imran Khan and his party only wanted to talk to the establishment, as it did not see the current government as legitimate and wanted their party to be brought to power.

When PML-N MNA Bilal Kayani was asked about these contradictory positions—one claiming that PTI is not ready to engage with them and the other that PTI was seeking an NRO from them—he dodged the contradiction, instead opining that PTI will not be allowed to go scot-free and will have to face the courts for their wrongdoings.

Regarding the existence of two positions within the party, Kayani stated that there is no discrepancy in the party's stance, and the press conference that caused this confusion was actually about providing relief.

However, when asked directly whether his party was in favour of any dialogue with PTI, Bilal refused to give a straight answer.