LAHORE – Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Secretary-General Ahsan Iqbal has firmly stated that no negotiations can be held with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder until he issues an apology for the events of May 9.
This declaration came after an important consultative meeting of PML-N’s top leadership, chaired by its President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, at the party’s secretariat in Model Town.
The meeting focused on critical issues facing the country, including the economic situation and local governance reforms.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, revealed that Nawaz Sharif has instructed both federal and provincial governments to reduce their expenditures in order to provide relief on electricity bills. Iqbal noted that the government is currently working to correct four decades of flaws in the power sector and is committed to reducing electricity tariffs within the next couple of years.
During the meeting, a briefing was also provided on the new local government system for Punjab. Nawaz Sharif emphasized the need for reforms in the system, stating that local government elections will be held promptly following the necessary amendments to the relevant laws.
Commenting on the incarceration of the PTI founder, Ahsan Iqbal remarked that the conditions of his imprisonment are more akin to a five-star hotel. He noted that the facilities provided to the PTI leader reflect the government’s generosity, adding that he is being kept in the same cell where Iqbal himself was previously detained. “If the cell is deemed unsuitable, the PTI founder should first apologize to me,” Iqbal quipped.
He further stressed that the government has not sought any revenge against the PTI founder, despite his protests.
“He is seeking an NRO, but he will not receive one. Just as he demanded receipts from us, he will now have to present his own to prove his innocence. If not, he will be held accountable for his crimes,” Iqbal asserted.
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that any dialogue with the PTI founder is contingent upon an apology for the events of May 9, particularly in light of his political conduct.
He accused PTI’s social media cell of tarnishing Pakistan’s reputation globally, citing a recent resolution passed in the US Congress with the support of the Indian lobby as an example.
“How can negotiations proceed with such individuals? PTI must first apologize to the nation for its anti-national politics before any talks can take place,” he said.
Iqbal also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently met with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and will be meeting with other political leaders as well.
In response to a query about Nawaz Sharif’s potential travel plans, Iqbal stated that there is currently no definitive plan for his return to London.
Meanwhile, the media reports suggested that PML-N is in contact with Mahmood Khan Achakzai to facilitate indirect negotiations with PTI.
The party reportedly made a behind-the-scenes offer for direct talks through Achakzai, with PTI.
Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, was given the task.
