PTI should defer sit-in, says PML-N's Rafique

Former minister urges PTI to negotiate with clear demands

LAHORE:

PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique on Sunday urged the PTI to defer its sit-in, saying the government had entered negotiations with full authority to discuss the party's demands.

Speaking to Express News during a visit to his constituency, Rafique said national security took precedence over every political issue and that the PTI should postpone its protest for the time being.

He said the government had sat down for talks with full powers and urged the PTI to approach negotiations with a clear mandate on its demands.

Rafique said political differences should not become a source of division in the country. With civilians continuing to suffer from terrorism, he said unity was essential in the prevailing circumstances.

He also called for fully empowered local governments, saying elected representatives should be given more than ceremonial positions.

Mayors, nazims and councillors, he said, should have the authority and resources needed to carry out development work in their respective areas.

Rafique said smaller administrative units should be created not only in Punjab but in all four provinces. However, he added that the division of provinces should only be considered after establishing a parliament whose legitimacy could not be questioned.

Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said confirmed that the talks between the federal government and the opposition had collapsed as the PTI initiated its long march. He accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of "sabotaging" the negotiations.

Earlier in the day, Naqvi also claimed that during the weekend talks, the K-P government had agreed to sign a written agreement and submit an implementation plan within 72 hours, primarily covering counterterrorism measures, but later backed out of the commitment.