PM rejects dialogue with ‘arsonists, anarchists’

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday said dialogue was a key to evolving democracy, however categorically stated that it could not be held with ‘anarchists and arsonists’ in the garb of politicians.

The prime minister’s statement came after the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday appealed for immediate talks with state officials.

Sharif said: “Dialogue is deeply embedded in the political process, which helps democracy mature and evolve”.

He stated many political and constitutional breakthroughs occurred when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus.

“However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists and arsonists who wear the garb of politicians and attack the symbols of the State do not qualify for a dialogue,” he continued.

The premier emphasized that such people should rather be held to account for their militant actions.

Shehbaz Sharif also termed it a prevalent practice even in developed democracies.

Dialogue is deeply embedded in the political process, which helps democracy mature & evolve. Many political & constitutional breakthroughs occured when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus.

However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists &…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 30, 2023