PM Shehbaz tells Fazlur Rehman government remains open to talks

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has held a telephone conversation with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the country’s overall political situation, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to sources.

The conversation took place after an important meeting chaired by the prime minister, the sources said.

On October 6, PM Shehbaz had urged PTI to end its long march and sit-in, saying the government would sit down and talk to it if it did. He said he was appealing to the party even now to “come to its senses”. “For God’s sake, end your long march and sit-in, and if you end it, we will certainly sit with you and talk,” he said, so that ‘Pakistan could move forward’ with full resolve. He had added the “ominous shadows” of sit-ins and long marches were re-emerging, and that the government and its allies had decided through mutual consultation to engage the PTI leadership in meaningful and sincere negotiations. “Extensive efforts were made day and night,” he said.

During the call, Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated his position that political issues should be resolved through mutual understanding and dialogue, according to the sources.

Government calls for political dialogue

PM Shehbaz told the JUI-F chief that the federal government had made every possible effort to resolve matters through political means, the sources said.

He also appreciated Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s political services and conciliatory approach, describing them as commendable, according to the sources.

The prime minister said the government remained willing to pursue negotiations and a political solution but urged the opposition to refrain from advancing on the federal government, the sources added.

He reportedly said the PTI’s insistence on its long march and its alleged reluctance to take measures concerning terrorism had contributed to the problems.

Call for restraint over PTI protest

The prime minister conveyed that the government and opposition still had time to take the situation seriously and work towards resolving their differences, according to the sources.

He also stressed the need for political stability, saying the federal government had worked hard to support the country’s economy.

The sources said the prime minister maintained that a protest resembling an assault or an attempt at blackmail would not resolve political disputes and could instead create further problems.

He also indicated that progress on several issues remained possible if the opposition demonstrated seriousness, the sources added.