PML-N wary of PTI's 'conflicting signals'

Says PM's offer stands, but PTI must clarify its position

SUKKUR:

As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's talks offer seems to have run aground, ruling party leaders on Saturday once again demanded clarity from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that the opposition party was flashing mixed signals.

The PML-N leaders said that the former ruling party had adopted contradictory positions on negotiations with the government, warning that political uncertainty would persist unless dialogue replaced confrontation.

The comments were made by Rana Sanaullah, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry while speaking to the media in Sukkur.

"On one hand, they (PTI) say we should hold dialogue and then on the other hand, Aleema Khan says anyone in favour of dialogue can not be a part of the party," Chaudhry said.

Sanaullah said that PML-N, as a political party, believed in dialogue, adding that "both PML-N and PPP have always tried to ensure that all political parties sit down and resolve their political issues through dialogue."

However, "the PTI founder has had this attitude since 2011 and then from 2018-2022 and now in 2025 [...] he does not believe in political dialogue".

He further alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan had been doing so through his "meetings, messaging and tweets".

He said Imran was "badmouthing the political leadership", adding that the ban on meetings was "in accordance with the law".

"As for dialogue, we have always remained ready; we still are. If they want to talk, that's fine; if they don't, it's their decision," he said.

He said Imran's trials were being conducted inside jail rather than in court because his "protection remained a top priority for the government".

Speaking separately, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq recalled that the prime minister had "repeatedly said that we are ready for dialogue".

"In my capacity as the NA speaker, I have also said that the office of speaker is available whenever you want to come and talk, but it seems they will have to make a decision".

He expressed hope that "once the PTI agrees [...] some way forward can be found".

"They tell the media that they want to talk; there is an office available, they should come, and we will welcome them," he added.