Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended an olive branch to his long-time political rival, Imran Khan. Speaking in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister offered to sit down and discuss any issues that might be troubling the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, who is currently facing legal troubles.
“If their [PTI] founder is facing troubles [in jail], then I reiterate: come, let’s sit down and talk,” said Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. This statement marks a notable shift in the ongoing rivalry between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PTI, two parties that have been at odds for years, particularly since the contentious February 8 elections, which Imran Khan’s party claims to have won.
The Prime Minister’s call for dialogue is rooted in a time when political adversaries, despite their differences, stood together during moments of joy and sorrow. Reflecting on past parliamentary sessions, Shahbaz Sharif highlighted that while politicians used to severely criticize each other, they also supported one another during significant moments. This sense of camaraderie, according to the Prime Minister, has been lost in recent years.
The 2018 elections were a particularly dark chapter for Shahbaz Sharif. “We joined the parliament despite the [rigged] polls. The sort of slogans that were raised during my first speech will always be remembered as a dark chapter in the history books,” he remarked. This period marked the beginning of heightened tensions, with accusations of electoral fraud and political victimization becoming more prevalent.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of justice, stating, “If someone is facing any injustice, then I believe that the scales of justice should be in favour of those [being victimised], there is no difference over it — whether it be any politician or anyone from any walk of life.” This sentiment underscores the Prime Minister’s commitment to fairness and the rule of law, regardless of political affiliations.
Despite his efforts to initiate dialogue in the past, Shahbaz Sharif lamented that his proposals were met with resistance and divisive slogans. “So who is responsible for this bitterness [between politicians]? We don’t even shake hands now,” he expressed. The Prime Minister’s remarks highlight the deep-seated animosity that has characterized recent political interactions.
Highlighting the harsh realities of political imprisonment, Shahbaz Sharif referenced the treatment of key PML-N figures, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, during their time in jail. These personal anecdotes served to underscore the broader theme of political victimization and the need for humane treatment of all political prisoners.
In response to the Prime Minister’s overture, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, reiterated that the PTI would only consider dialogue once its founder and other incarcerated leaders and workers were released. “This should be in your minds: you torture our workers, you’ve kept our lady workers in prison vans at 45°C. My prime minister Imran Khan was kept in a death cell, there’s an oven-like environment over there,” Ayub said amid the clamor from the treasury benches.
Amidst the commotion, Ayub insisted that the house’s proceedings could only continue if government members showed respect to their opposition colleagues. Addressing the Prime Minister’s call for talks, he added, “Reconciliation will take place when you realise the abuse of Yasmin Rashid, Mehmood ur Rasheed, and Hasan Niazi.”
Ayub also countered the Prime Minister’s claims of facing harsh conditions, pointing out that former premier Nawaz Sharif had air conditioners installed in his jail cell. This exchange highlights the ongoing grievances and distrust between the two major political factions.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s invitation for dialogue signifies a potential turning point in Pakistan’s tumultuous political landscape. While the response from the opposition suggests that significant hurdles remain, the Prime Minister’s willingness to engage in conversation marks a step towards bridging the divide.
The coming days will reveal whether this gesture leads to meaningful discussions and a reduction in political hostilities. As the nation watches closely, the prospect of dialogue and reconciliation between PML-N and PTI holds the promise of a more collaborative and less confrontational political future.
