Nawaz Sharif slams PTI's 'rigidity'

Dialogue failed due to PTI's stance, laments PML-N chief

LAHORE:

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday lambasted PTI's "inflexible approach", blaming it for the failure of government-opposition talks, while praising National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for ensuring smooth proceedings despite opposition protests.

During a meeting held in Lahore, Ayaz Sadiq briefed Nawaz Sharif on the ongoing NA session, legislative developments and the performance of the 16th NA's first parliamentary year.

The two leaders engaged in an in-depth discussion on the country's overall political situation, party affairs and key parliamentary matters.

Despite the opposition's protests and disruptions in the House, Nawaz Sharif commended the speaker for ensuring the smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings.

He stressed that the public was primarily concerned with solutions to their problems rather than political slogans, protests and disruptions.

Welcoming the NA speaker role as the custodian of the house, Nawaz Sharif lauded his efforts in facilitating dialogue between the government and the opposition.

However, he lamented that negotiations remained inconclusive due to PTI's "rigid and uncompromising stance".

The meeting also stressed the need for upholding parliamentary supremacy, enacting legislation in the public interest, and strengthening democracy. Nawaz Sharif said that a robust parliament is essential for political stability and public welfare.

In addition, discussions were held on PML-N's future strategy, legislative agenda and further measures to address public issues.

Nawaz's criticism of PTI came amid the party's renewed push to forge a grand opposition alliance and launch an anti-government movement after Eid ul Fitr. Following Imran Khan's directives, PTI leaders have been reaching out to various political parties to consolidate opposition ranks against the government.

In the wake of the collapse of government-opposition talks in January, PTI has intensified its efforts to unite political forces against the ruling coalition.

Separately in a statement on the social media platform, 'X', Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the terrorist attacks on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan, asserting that such cowardly acts cannot destabilise Pakistan's peace.

Nawaz Sharif conveyed his condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the attack. "These cowardly actions cannot sabotage Pakistan's security and stability," he asserted. Extending sympathies to the families of the victims, he prayed for the martyrs' elevated ranks and a swift recovery for the injured.