PM Shehbaz urges PTI to call off long march, resolve issues through dialogue

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to cease its long march to Islamabad and suggested engaging in political dialogue to address contentious issues. Despite warnings that gatherings in Islamabad would not be permitted, the opposition proceeded with their demonstration, which aimed to secure the release of jailed party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

Addressing the inauguration of the Kashmir Chowk underpass in Islamabad, Sharif expressed disappointment that "dreadful shadows" of long marches were resurfacing despite the efforts of the PML-N and PPP to engage with PTI in talks. The premier claimed both parties had engaged in dialogue for two days in the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq's chamber, but "it didn't happen" as the PTI only sought to prevent successful negotiations.

Sharif emphasized that these protests primarily harm the economy, exports, imports, and manufacturing, and called for an immediate end to these actions, warning that the law would be enforced. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, without naming anyone, stated that people needed to discern who were working for their welfare and which were involved in "negative politics."

PTI Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry confirmed that talks would only proceed if PTI halted their demonstrations and cautioned that constitutional and political measures were in place to address the ongoing long march. Chaudhry also mentioned that some concessions were made during the talks, but the state would now need to act more firmly.