No ongoing talks with PTI: minister

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to descend on the federal capital, the government has firmly rejected any ongoing negotiations with the former ruling party, asserting that chaotic and destabilising politics of resistance will be crushed.

During a news conference, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar categorically stated that there were no ongoing negotiations at any level with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Tarar clarified that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had, following orders from the Islamabad High Court (IHC), contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to inform him that protests or sit-ins in the federal capital would be deemed illegal.

Tarar asserted that anyone participating in violent protests would be arrested and held accountable for any damage caused. "The government will not tolerate any actions that jeopardise public safety," he declared.

The minister also accused PTI of attempting to create divisions between Pakistan and its friendly countries.

"It's baffling that a protest is being called on the same day a friendly nation seeks to enhance cooperation with Pakistan," Tarar remarked.

He noted that plans have been finalised to welcome the Belarusian president, a close ally of Pakistan, in Islamabad, adding that PTI and the country's enemies share the common goal of hindering Pakistan's economic progress.

Tarar recalled similar disruptions during the 2014 visit of the Chinese president and the SCO summit, adding that Belarus and Pakistan were now preparing for a joint tractor manufacturing venture.

He questioned, "Can the system function effectively under such conditions?" He warned that officers involved in political activities would face strict action.

The federal minister highlighted the positive economic indicators, noting that investment is flowing into Pakistan, the economy is growing, inflation has decreased from 32% last year to 6.9% this year, and foreign remittances have reached $8.8 billion in the first quarter.

He pointed out that Pakistan's stock market is the second-best performing in the world, reinforcing the ongoing economic recovery.

Tarar also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for his lack of concern regarding the situation in Kurram Agency, where 37 people were killed.

"How could the chief minister forget Parachinar's pain?" he asked, adding that Pakistan Army soldiers were making sacrifices to protect citizens, while K-P police required better training to combat terrorism.

Azma blasts PTI over chaos

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari lambasted the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for prioritising politics over law and order.

She justified the closure of highways and motorways, stating, "We cannot allow these arsonists to attack our cities".

Bokhari revealed that there was authentic information that PTI would bring in Afghans and armed youths to confront law enforcement agencies.