The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), major ruling coalition members, have invited the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon street protests and engage in dialogue with the government.
Acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the government’s openness to talks but stressed that the PTI must decide with whom to negotiate.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Gilani reiterated the government’s willingness to negotiate. He noted that the PTI seems intent on negotiating with someone else. “The PTI wants to carve its path by confronting the establishment and the government in court,” he remarked.
Gilani recalled that during their time in opposition under the PTI-led government, they were willing to engage in talks despite the PTI’s reluctance to do the same even while in power.
Gilani stressed that the PPP remains committed to supporting the current government, noting that internal consultations are ongoing regarding their potential involvement in the cabinet.
He explained, “Consultations within the party are underway regarding joining the ministries. Following these discussions, a decision will be made about participating in the cabinet at both the Centre and Punjab.” Gilani reiterated, “The Pakistan Peoples Party is part of the government and supports it in all endeavours.”
Defamation Bill
Regarding the defamation bill, Gilani said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had been involved in a detailed discussion. He added that Bilawal had met President Asif Zardari and would provide his action plan when he returned.
The acting president emphasized that journalists’ concerns regarding the defamation bill recently passed by the Punjab Assembly should be addressed. He refrained from responding to a query about judiciary-establishment differences. He also said that people should get relief in the budget.
The minister criticized the PTI, saying the party wanted to use the courts after being defeated in politics. “The PTI wants to make its way by fighting the establishment and the government in court,” he charged.
He claimed there was uncertainty in the country because of a court decision. “Our doors are open to all parties for meaningful negotiations, but such negotiations can only happen when the parties negotiate with a positive agenda,” he said.
Iqbal emphasized that the country’s economy was headed in the right direction, as the stock market index had crossed the 76,000 mark. “This shows the strong confidence of foreign and domestic investors in the government’s policies,” he said.
“We have given around 1 million laptops to youth, and a politician made fun of us. But today, Pakistan is the third largest freelancing country in the world. We want to give the youth a digital platform that can be used to make this country one of the top 10 economies of the world on its 100th birthday.”
Earlier, Iqbal told the ceremony that an incompetent government was imposed on the country through rigged elections in 2018. “The country is suffering after being handed over to an incompetent politician. Due to his hate-based policies, Pakistan suffered internal unrest and extremism,” he said.
