'End long march, sit-ins and we will talk': PM Shehbaz once again extends olive branch to PTI

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cautioned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against organizing protests that could impede economic progress and cautioned against any such disruptions. Speaking at the laying of the foundation stone for the Kashmir Chowk underpass in Islamabad, the premier noted that "dark shadows of long marches" were resurfacing and urged protesters to reconsider their plans.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the PML-N and PPP joint committees had agreed to engage in talks with the PTI leadership to resolve differences and end the long marches. Shehbaz expressed disappointment that the opposition at the eleventh hour demanded changes to the draft, thus thwarting the hoped-for positive outcomes from the negotiations.

He warned that protests and roadblocks could disrupt imports and exports, impeding the timely movement of workers and professionals to their workplaces. The prime minister emphasized that the government's recent efforts to stabilize the economy and achieve macroeconomic stability should not be undermined. He underscored the importance of focusing on economic growth and development, citing improvements in September's exports, IT exports, and remittances.

The prime minister cautioned against any disruption to the economic gains, posing a rhetorical question about the implications of damaging such progress. He appealed to the protesters to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that the government would take measures to safeguard citizens' lives and property. Shehbaz asked, "If someone damages this progress, then will it not be tantamount to enmity with the country?"

He concluded by inviting the PTI to end the protest, stating that they would be open to discussions if the protesters agree to do so. The prime minister's remarks followed PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja's assertion that government-opposition talks had stalled over two key issues: access to imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan and the government's approach to handling terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without the provincial government's involvement.

Raja stated that while the PTI had agreed to several points, resolving the "core" disputes of Khan's unrestricted access and the proposed medical board examining him was essential for meaningful dialogue. The PTI demanded the inclusion of Khan's sister, Dr Uzma Khan, and his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, in the medical board, an issue the government had initially agreed to before later retracting its support.