While addressing a press briefing at 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam in Lahore, Dar said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, had given him a go-ahead to resume talks with PTI.
“We are putting no condition on resuming dialogue with PTI, but we expect that being patriotic Pakistanis they [PTI] cancel their plan to close Karachi on Friday. Dialogue will continue but closure of county’s major cities shouldn’t happen,” Dar said.
“Without compromising on principles, negotiations should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution.”
The finance minister, while welcoming PTI's decision to resume talks, noted that there was no impediment in talks since Imran Khan had backed-off from the unconstitutional and illegal demand of PM stepping down or going on a month long leave. He added that the PTI had been told in the very first round of talks that the demand of PM’s resignation was non-negotiable.
Dar added that Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal will accompany him during talks with PTI.
Clarifying that there was no precondition from the government to resuming talks, the finance minister 'requested' PTI chief Imran to call off his shut-down protests in Karachi and Lahore.
While reiterating that no unconstitutional or illegal demand should be made from either side, Dar said that it was the Judicial Commission’s prerogative to ask for help from anyone, whether they are intelligence officials or journalists.
“JC judges will be the judges of apex courts. They are pride of this country and whatever decision they will take will be acceptable to us,” he added.
Dar appreciated the efforts of Political Jirga spearheaded by Jamaat-e-Islami's Sirajul Haq and Pakistan Peoples Party's Rehman Malik, but said that it was PML-N's initiative to restart unconditional dialogue with PTI.
“They [political jirga] did not play any role in this,” he said, adding that the government will take political parties into confidence on the dialogue.
“We had never ended the dialogue yet we are ready to start it. Many international organisations have said that the elections in 2013 were transparent and fair than the previous elections.”
Dar added that he was trying to contact the PTI leadership to resume talks as soon as possible.
Regarding the PTI chairman’s statement that his party will not come back to the assemblies if the commission says there was no rigging in the 2013 elections, Dar said PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi had clarified that there was a misunderstanding.
“Shah Mehmood has given me a clarification that Imran has been misquoted and there has been a misunderstanding,” he said.
He added that as far as electoral reforms were concerned, a parliamentary committee was already working on it.
PTI wants dialogue to resume from where they broke off
Following PML-N's offer for resuming talks unconditionally, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) information secretary Shireen Mazari said that her party welcomes the move, Radio Pakistan reported.
However, she insisted that talks should resume from the where they had broken off.
Govt has offered talks without preconditions. We welcome it BUT talks must resume from where Govt walked out.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) December 10, 2014
PTI protest will not be called off on account of talks restarting! We need to see seriousness of intent thru formation of inquisitorial JC.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) December 10, 2014
About Dar's request to defer PTI's protest in Karachi and Lahore, Mazari said that the strike call(s) will not be withdrawn till a judicial commission is formed. Further, PTI's protests will not stop till the commission presents its report.
Later, PTI chief Imran Khan reportedly restored his party's talks committee which comprised Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Arif Alvi, Jahangir Tareen, and Shafqat Mehmood, Express News reported. This committee will resume the dialogue process with the government.
Meanwhile, PTI's preparations for shutting down Karachi on December 12 seem to have lost none of its steam.
With @KhurrumZamanPTI went 2 Transporter's Unions in Lyari & Mauripur Rd who will block roads & with our workers shut down the KPort totally
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) December 10, 2014
Met PTI TeamNA250. Many roads would be blocked. Teen Talwar, Qayyumabad, Submarine Chowk, Kalapul, Mai Kolachi, Boat Basin etc. Khi is ready
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) December 10, 2014
Sharai Faisal, MA Jinnah Road, Native Jetty, Sohrab Goth, Five Star, Hassan Sq., Purani Numaish...... Actually all of Karachi will b blocked
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) December 10, 2014
COMMENTS (29)
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One can only laugh at the fools who say that IK talks about economy and shuts down cities at the same time.
@WeWillWin: When did i question Imran's commendable efforts of starting a university that offers 70% students free education ?? What is wrong with our intellects ??
Please shut down Karachi and lose more support :D :D :D The internet class represents less than 10% of Pakistan. The rest don't like you Imran. Even this 10% doesn't endorse you anymore :* :*
It's better for the govt to start talking with the narcissist before he furthur damages Pakistan.
@Asad: Yes, as you say, ......PMLN should "respect" its "opponents, specially those who carry good reputation" but I hope you are NOT referring to IK as an opponent who "carries good reputation." How does someone who is bent upon creating anarchy and shutting down the country carry a good reputation? If that's the criteria for good reputation, then Taliban should top YOUR list of "opponents with good reputation" :-)
@Sham.. You raise some very valid points ..Education should be definitely number one priority for any leader of Pak.. Unfortunately, a dictator, had better vision then so called democratic leaders, as spending for higher education was maximum in his era, under very able ministry of Dr Atta-ur-Rehman.
If you look into history, when world was busy putting foundation stones for Stanford, Caltech and Harvard University Muslim leaders were busy building TAJ-Mehals. Search for top 200 universites in technology and you will be surprised to know that no Muslim country is in the list, and we have not produced any great scientist since several centuries now. Unfortunately, current government priories are again on making "Jangla busses" then on education as it is easier to convert into advertisement then spending on education . -- check Punjab budget for education and budget for Jungla Bus service for Lahore and Islamabad
Now, let me come to Imran. Rather then commending an effort you are so unfair in your statements, because you don't like him as leader. You are taking a dig on Imran because he made a University, seriously ....I am out of words on this ... Atleast he made something as a social welfare project where 70% of students are getting free education. Check the faculty of the University they are either graduates from top universities of Pakistan (NUST, FAST, GIKI) or foreign qualified Let alone University, try running a school as a social welfare project, and then we can talk.
You claim you live in London, then you must know that you can not force your children to join University of your choice. Above all, it is none of my or your business where Imran children studies.
I sometimes feel sorry for Imran, he could have enjoyed a great life but instead chose a life of extreme struggle to make a better Pakistan, and still under appreciated by people of my beloved land.
@Sham.. You raise some very valid points ..Education is definitely should be number one priority for any leader of Pak.. Unfortunately, a dictator, had better vision then so called democratic leaders, as spending for higher education was maximum in his era, under very able ministry of Dr Atta-ur-Rehman.
If you look into history, when world was busy putting foundation stones for Stanford, Caltech and Harvard University Muslim leaders were busy building TAJ-Mehals. Search for top 200 countries in technology and you will be surprised to know that no Muslim country is in the list, and we have not produced any great scientist since several centuries now. Unfortunately, current government priories are again on making "Jangla busses" then on education as it is easier to convert into advertisement then spending on education . -- check Punjab budget for education and budget for Jungla Bus service for Lahore and Islamabad
Now, let me come to Imran. Rather then commending an effort you are so unfair in your statements, because you don't like him as leader. You are taking a dig on Imran because he made a University, seriously ....I am out of words on this ... Atleast he made something as a social welfare project where 70% of students are getting free education. Check the faculty of the University they are either graduates from top universities of Pakistan (NUST, FAST, GIKI) or foreign qualified Let alone University, try running a school as a social welfare project, and then we can talk.
You claim you live in London, then you must know that you can not force your children to join University of your choice. Above all, it is none of my or your business where Imran children studies
@Cheema: What the govt wants is pti to go away and people to sit at home praising nawaz and family, so they can carry on with their deal making etc. THAT Ihey are not going to get!
@Citizen I am not sure where you are coming from but Government is simply playing with PTI. Govt do not have to accept any demand. They will talk on their terms and get what they want.
PMNL has shown itself to be the weakest government in the history of Pakistan. They' ve been bullied few last months by PTI hooligans and they've no answer to their actions or threats. This is going too far. Faisalabad shops and schools were open as usual until 10.30 am when PTI brigade came and forced them to shut. Where was the police to protect these businesses? Islamabad Red zone was breached, Parliament attacked, PTV taken over in August. I think it's time these guys packed their bags and left the Govt as they've shown that they do not have any writ all. Sheer embarrassment to witness lawlessness by a party with 10% seats in the Parliament, and the Govt running around like a headless chicken.
PML N still didn't understand that they have no option for dialogue anymore. They either need to accept PTI demands or face with poor governance across the country. Govt doesn't hold any grounds to have a dialogue or negotiations with PTI.
@JD totally agree. They are on the same path as Zardari and co (Raja and Gilani). They are trying close on as many financial deal as possible to get their kick backs before their regime end. Honest and true political workers among PMLN are worried for Pakistan and do want resumption of talks but those who came into power to make money are trying every effort to fail or avoid dialogue and make last minute financial deals. One can see, while Pakistan is burning, PM, CM of Punjab and other sharif family members have accelerated their foreign trips to sign deals. Let's hope SC and Army intervene (not by imposing marshallah) by asking Sharifs to put the house in order before signing investment deals.
@VK: Sorry mate, but I am a practicing lawyer here in the UK. No one can stop individuals from going abroad (read Pakistan) for higher education. It is an individuals right here in the UK, regardless of divorce settlements. Rights come well before customs here.
Why did the government drag it out so long ?........did Reko Diq have anything to do with this ?
@Sham: Attempt to troll gone bad but most of the Noon league trolls are kind of lame. :)
Why talks with the terrorists? First PTI should leave politics of agitation. Only then talks can be possible.
If IK does not come to accept fair inquiry and does not go towards solution then the government should arrest him and impose governor Raaj in KPK as we are tired of the dirties politics of IK and Pervaiz khatak.
Government should not negotiate with the group of anarchists led by Imran Khan.
Its time PMLN starts respecting opponents, specially those who carry good reputation.
@Sham
Not speaking on behalf of PTI, but I think the reason for his sons not studying in Pakistan is not what you are implying to. The two sons have lived with their mother in the UK as is customary following divorce settlements in the UK. I hope you take this on a non-political and non-personal level.
During Faisalabad protests, the only leader physically in Faisalabad was IK. Not Abid Sher Ali, not Rana Sanaullah.
This shows that the people of Faisalabad (considered Noon's fort) are with PTI.
Based on this Noonies should start packing their suitcases with their ill-gotten gear and start booking flights to London/UAE.
The time of dialogue for the Prime Minister is long gone! It is time for action and for the judiciary to provide clear direction and the political leadership should yield.
Rex Minor
East Bengal and west Bengal was created then there was a son of the soil Mr Mujib he first dialogue then the portion was separated from Pakistan. Now there is East Punjab and West Punjab. West Punjab's son of the soil Mr Imran is coming for dialogue against West Punjab occupant...perhaps a new separation again.
Free N fair election is right N demand of every citizen, A sensible charter of demands.
1- 99.99% fool proof electoral system first(what if rigging proved N govt was behind it, should we again rely on failed electoral system for reelection). 2- Recounting of votes N verification process. If it’s proved that it is rigged N substantial evidences r there that PM Sharif was behind, reelection should happen. If there is no evidence PM sharif was behind they should rule for the rest of tenure. (No justice acceptable on principle: to robe peter to pay Paul, In Pakistan every examination is cheated so for those 10% who cheat we can’t demand cancelation of degrees of rest of 90%) 3- Whoever is culprit of rigging after concrete evidence from position (to gain power) or opposition (to create anarchy and chaos for state enemies), severe capital punishment should be given, so that history think 100 times before repeating itself.
No dialogues, Independent Judicial commission straight away and 4-6 weeks probe period
When Imran Khan shuts down an entire city, does that not close down schools as well ? And here he talks about pulling in an education emergency. Also, since Namal College is associated with University of Bradford (UK), and since he always tells us that people from abroad will come over and study in Pakistan since they are getting a British degree, can his own sons come over and study at Namal College and get this esteemed education please? They will get the same level of qualification, same standard of education in Namal as they are getting in the UK. And now that I have said all this, can the PTI trolls charge at me please ?
Can anyone explain me that on one side they are ready to talk and on other side NA122 is being challenged by speaker and he is looking for another stay order? Why? What are you hiding? After all Plan C worked. Very well done captain, you are doing very well and your stemina is amazing. Never seen such a fighter in my whole life.
So plan C worked :)
Well done PTI....and good sense by PMLN finally shown as well.