Govt Rules Out Talks With Imran As PTI Readies For More Protests

Govt Rules Out Talks With Imran As PTI Readies For More Protests
As the top judicial and defence institutions believe that national consensus is the key if the nation aims to come out of the persistent crisis, the government and opposition still seem miles away from this solution.

The ruling PDM coalition and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) have not even hinted at returning to talks.

The last round of talks, prior to the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, remained inconclusive and the recent statements from both sides suggest a stalemate.

In his address at the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif didn't give any indication of engaging in talks with the opposition.

Moreover, while addressing the National Assembly, Federal Minister Mian Javed Latif clearly opposed the idea of future talks with the PTI chief.

Latif, in his speech, remarked that there could be no talks with Imran Khan whom he called a stooge and an agent playing in hands of external powers to act against national interest.

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Likewise, PTI chief urged his supporters to prepare for his upcoming call for "peaceful protests" aimed at achieving "true independence" in the country.

He called upon his followers to shatter the idols of fear and stand up for their basic rights and supremacy of the Constitution.

On Monday, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial urged the government and PTI to resume dialogue to restore peace in the country.

Corps Commanders, too emphasised the need for national consensus amongst the stakeholders to bring about stability in the country.

Sharing their views, political pundits are of the view that talks would be the ultimate panacea to defusing the tumultuous situation.

Though there have been many failed talks in political history, intervention and assurances from 'powerful players' helped resolve complex political situations, and the same can happen now.