PM Shehbaz, Nawaz discuss Pak-Afghan situation; govt-TLP talks make headway

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif in Jati Umra to discuss the prevailing Pak-Afghan tensions, the country’s political and economic situation, and party affairs.

According to sources, the two leaders held detailed consultations on the strained situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, reviewing the government’s diplomatic and security measures. The prime minister briefed Nawaz Sharif on recent policy actions taken by the government, while the former premier shared his guidance on key national matters.

Also read: Pakistan delivers fitting response to unprovoked Afghanistan assault

Both leaders also discussed internal party matters and reaffirmed their resolve to work jointly for the country’s stability and to provide relief to the public.

PMLN TEAM MEETS TLP LEADERS

Meanwhile, government negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) are said to be moving forward. On behalf of the federal government, Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Salman Rafique, and Allama Tahir Ashrafi have been tasked with engaging the religious party to persuade it to end its ongoing protest and begin formal talks.

The government team has urged the TLP to call off its march citing participants’ safety and the tense security environment. The TLP leadership, however, has reportedly demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against its members.

Also read: Rana Sanaullah asks TLP to cancel or postpone protest

Officials have expressed optimism that a breakthrough is near, with progress made on several of the party’s demands and discussions continuing on others.

Until a resolution is reached between the government and the TLP, major roads in Rawalpindi and Islamabad remain blocked with containers at key points, causing significant disruptions to daily movement. The metro bus service between the twin cities has also been suspended for three days, and hotels in the Faizabad area have been sealed, bringing business and commercial activity in the vicinity to a standstill.