The ruling coalition, composed of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has extended an invitation to the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to cease its street protests and enter into political negotiations with the government.
Acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the government’s readiness for dialogue, while underscoring that the PTI must decide whom it wants to engage with in these talks.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Gilani reaffirmed the government’s openness to negotiation but noted that the PTI appears intent on confronting both the establishment and the government in court. “The PTI wants to carve its path by confronting the establishment and the government in court,” he remarked.
“Our doors are open for meaningful talks, but the PTI will have to decide with whom they want to negotiate,” Gilani said, highlighting the need for unity among political leaders to address the country’s instability. He recalled that during their time in opposition, the PPP and PML-N were open to political talks despite the PTI’s reluctance when it was in power.
Gilani also reassured that the PPP remains committed to supporting the current government, with internal consultations ongoing about their potential involvement in the cabinet. “The PPP has never indicated that it is not part of the government; we are aligned with the government in all matters,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about the defamation bill recently passed by the Punjab Assembly, Gilani mentioned ongoing discussions with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and emphasised the need to address journalists’ concerns regarding the legislation.
Meanwhile, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, speaking after a laptop distribution ceremony at the University of Narowal, reiterated the government’s invitation for all parties to engage in meaningful negotiations. He urged the PTI to abandon street protests and fulfill their responsibilities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where they are in government.
Iqbal criticised the PTI for seeking judicial intervention after facing political defeats. “The PTI wants to make its way by fighting the establishment and the government in court,” he said, attributing the country’s uncertainty to recent court decisions.
Iqbal expressed hope for economic stability over the next five years, stressing the importance of shifting focus from rallies to public service. He highlighted the government’s economic achievements, including the stock market index surpassing 76,000 points, reflecting strong investor confidence.
“We have distributed around one million laptops to youth, contributing to Pakistan becoming the third-largest freelancing country in the world,” Iqbal noted. He emphasised the government’s commitment to providing digital platforms and opportunities for the youth, aiming to position Pakistan among the top 10 economies by its 100th anniversary.
In his speech, Iqbal criticised the previous PTI-led government for causing internal unrest and extremism due to its hate-based policies. He emphasised the current government’s focus on modern education, digital training, and equal employment opportunities for the youth, claiming significant improvements in every sector under their leadership.