PM wants PTI’s return to dialogue process

Staff Report ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs and advancing Pakistan towards prosperity and security. The prime minister, in his televised opening remarks at the meeting of the federal cabinet, said that prior to the meeting he attended the funeral prayers of Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, who embraced martyrdom in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, he highlighted the unwavering dedication of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and security forces to safeguarding the nation. He reiterated that it is the collective responsibility of the government and the people to honor and uphold the sanctity of these sacrifices. “Major Hamza Israr, only 29 years old, sacrificed his life in defense of the country,” the Prime Minister remarked. “I met his grieving parents, who shared that their son always aspired to attain martyrdom. Such bravery and patriotism must never be forgotten.” During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif stressed that achieving Pakistan’s vision for development and security requires a steadfast commitment from all segments of society. He expressed the government’s resolve to maintain national security while ensuring economic and political stability. Addressing political matters, the Prime Minister shed light on recent efforts to engage with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for dialogue. He stated that despite a genuine effort to initiate discussions, the opposition party backed out at the last moment. “A committee was formed, and extensive talks took place as per their demands,” he said. “A final meeting was scheduled for January 28 in response to their written request, yet they withdrew at the eleventh hour.” Nevertheless, I am still prepared, with a clear heart and intention, to advance dialogue for the nation’s progress.” He said that the government was ready to form a parliamentary committee to continue talks with the PTI as against the party’s demand to constitute a judicial commission to probe the protests of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024. “We are ready to form a House committee. The committee that was formed in 2018 should also complete its probe, and a House committee should be formed to investigate the February 2024 elections to bring the facts to the forefront.” Regarding the Nov 26 protest, he said that a House committee should probe that, as well as the months-long sit-in staged by the PTI in Islamabad in 2014, when it was in the opposition. “It takes two to tango. This dialogue should move forward so that the country can progress, instead of bearing more harm due to their violent protests,” the premier said. He further said, “Our members told them that the [government] was ready to present a response in writing, and invited them to come to the table again.” The premier referred to the parliamentary committee formed in 2018 under the former government to finalise the terms of reference (ToRs) to investigate the election rigging allegations. He said, “After the 2018 elections when we [as the opposition] entered the parliament while wearing black bands in protest, Imran Niazi (who was the prime minister at that time) told me that his government was forming a committee and a thorough probe would be carried out.”