‘Apologize to the public first’: PM Shehbaz shuts down talks with Imran Khan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that talks between the government and Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), would only be possible if Khan admitted to his past actions and apologized for his wrongdoings.

The Prime Minister accused Khan of being a fraud who had looted the country, attacked the judiciary, and had no faith in the Constitution and justice. The Prime Minister stressed that it was not possible to have a conversation with Khan until he publicly apologized to the people and took responsibility for causing damage to the country and the Constitution.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a fiery speech in the Nation Assembly on Tuesday.

PM Shehbaz emphasized that no discussions could be held with someone who consistently rejects invitations for talks on important issues such as COVID-19, terrorism, apex committee meetings, or the Kashmir conference.

 In a democracy, dialogue is the only weapon, and it was not possible to give in to Khan. However, the Prime Minister added that time was running out, and it was crucial to act quickly.

The Pakistani Prime Minister has expressed his approval of the recent dissenting note issued by two judges of the Supreme Court, which raised questions over the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan. He called the move a "ray of hope" for the country.

The Prime Minister went on to say that the decision had been made by four of the seven members of the bench, and that since Parliament is empowered to make laws in the country, it must do what it can to facilitate the decision by making laws that will support it.

The dissenting note, which was considered to be a judgement, was issued by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail in relation to the apex court's March 1 verdict in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suo motu. The judges pointed out that it is important to revisit the power of the one-man show enjoyed by the office of the CJP (Umar Ata Bandial).

The Prime Minister welcomed the voices for change stemming from the judiciary itself, and stated that if the house did not play its part in making the necessary changes, the nation would not forgive them. He added that the country must decide whether it wants to help the millions of people in the country or facilitate one favourite.

The Prime Minister addressed the recent controversy surrounding the court proceedings of the PTI chief and expressed his concern about a certain individual who appears to have immunity from the law. Despite receiving numerous court notices, this "favourite" manages to obtain extensions in secret and undermines the judicial system. The Prime Minister criticised the PTI chief for his disrespectful remarks towards a female judge and for making false accusations against the opposition during his time in government. He also accused the PTI government of violating an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

The Prime Minister expressed his disappointment that the PTI chief was resorting to violent tactics to intimidate the judiciary and evade prosecution. He stated that Imran Khan does not respect the law or the constitution and is not willing to face the charges against him in court. Instead, he is attacking law enforcement agencies.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the current coalition government had saved the country from bankruptcy and fulfilled all the conditions of the IMF. He congratulated the finance minister for finalising the terms of the deal with the Fund. The Prime Minister called out Imran Khan for his irresponsible behaviour and urged him to accept the law and face the consequences of his actions.

The Prime Minister addressed the urgent need to steer the country out of its current crisis and called upon the House to fulfil its constitutional responsibility in protecting the country from political and constitutional turmoil. He stressed the importance of all pillars of the state to play their role in achieving this objective.

The Prime Minister expressed concern that certain judicial verdicts were openly violating the constitution by favouring the PTI in all cases. He emphasised the need for legislation to strengthen the rule of law in the country and ensure that the constitution's separation of powers is protected.

In response to the ECP's decision to delay polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until October 8, the Prime Minister justified the electoral body's decision, citing the resurgence of terrorism in the country. He underlined that no political party should run away from elections as polls are the hallmark of democracy.