Govt Reaches Out with ‘Olive Branch’ to PTI Amid Growing Tensions and Upcoming Protest
NAROWAL / LONDON: As PTI prepares for another major protest, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif extended an offer for dialogue with the opposition party on Sunday. His appeal for negotiations came just one day after PML-N President Nawaz Sharif predicted that PTI’s Nov 24 rally would fail to hinder Pakistan’s progress.
Speaking in Sialkot, Asif stated that the government’s doors for negotiations with PTI remain open, but criticized Imran Khan for preferring talks with the establishment rather than engaging with political leaders. He lashed out at the opposition’s plans to pressure the government for the release of the former prime minister, pointing out that PTI leaders, including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, had previously abandoned their supporters during protests, leaving workers stranded.
Asif accused PTI, including Imran Khan, of hypocrisy and dishonesty, insisting that the Nov 24 rally would meet the same fate as earlier PTI protests—failure. He also questioned why Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi didn’t bring their children to lead the protest, highlighting the disparity between the leaders’ comfortable lives abroad and their supporters facing the brunt of law enforcement actions.
Regarding legal matters, Asif recalled that figures like Nawaz Sharif and the Bhutto family had also faced trials and legal battles, noting that an FIR had been filed against him and his family as well. He emphasized that these individuals fought their cases in court, unlike the PTI leadership.
In London on Saturday, Nawaz Sharif dismissed PTI’s planned rally, expressing confidence that it would not disrupt Pakistan’s economic progress. He also responded to speculation about his return to Pakistan, asserting that those who doubted his return were liars.
Sharif criticized Imran Khan’s tenure, accusing the former prime minister of tarnishing the country’s reputation. He questioned the rationale behind PTI’s protests, asking what development projects Khan could point to as evidence of success during his time in power. Sharif also expressed optimism for Pakistan’s future, stating that the nation had overcome its difficulties and was now on a path to prosperity, despite attempts to obstruct progress.
Sharif further emphasized the need for PTI to be held accountable for its actions, questioning the legitimacy of Khan’s protest call from prison. He concluded by criticizing the lack of achievements during PTI’s rule, pointing out that Khan’s government failed to deliver major infrastructure projects, resolve the energy crisis, or bring significant development to the country.
