Ayaz Sadiq of the PML-N in the National Assembly. Photo: screenshot
SUKKUR:
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s bid for talks appeared to have failed, ruling party leaders on Saturday once again demanded clarity from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that the opposition party was sending out mixed signals.
PML-N leaders said the former ruling party had taken 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 have a dialogue and on the other hand, Aleema Khan says anyone who is in favor of dialogue cannot be part of the party,” Chaudhry said.
Sanaullah said that the PML-N, as a political party, believed in dialogue, adding that “both the PML-N and the PPP have always tried to ensure that all political parties sit down and resolve their political issues through dialogue.”
However, “the founder of the PTI has had this attitude since 2011 and then from 2018 to 2022 and now in 2025. […] “He doesn’t believe in political dialogue.”
He further alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan had been doing so through his “meetings, messages and tweets”.
He said Imran was “speaking ill of political leaders” and added that the ban on gatherings was “in accordance with the law.”
“As for dialogue, we have always been willing and we still are. If they want to talk, that’s fine; if not, it’s their decision,” he said.
He said Imran’s trials were being held inside jail and not in court because his “protection remained a top priority for the government.”
On the other hand, the president of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, recalled that the prime minister had “repeatedly said that we are ready for dialogue.”
“In my capacity as NA spokesperson I have also said that the spokesperson’s office is available whenever you want to come talk, but it looks like 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, come and we will welcome them,” he added.
