Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday took aim at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), blaming their “inflexible approach” for the collapse of government-opposition talks earlier this year. Speaking during a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Lahore, Sharif lauded the speaker’s efforts to maintain order in parliament despite PTI-led disruptions, while underscoring the need for a stronger legislature to address public concerns.
The meeting at Sharif’s Jati Umra residence focused on the ongoing National Assembly session, legislative progress, and the performance of the 16th NA in its first parliamentary year. Sharif and Sadiq delved into the country’s political landscape, PML-N’s internal strategy, and key parliamentary matters. Amid frequent opposition protests that have marred proceedings, Sharif praised Sadiq’s stewardship. “Despite the disruptions, the speaker has ensured smooth conduct in the House,” he said, hailing him as a “custodian” who facilitated dialogue between the government and opposition.
However, Sharif expressed frustration over the failure of those negotiations, pointing the finger squarely at PTI. “The talks remained inconclusive due to PTI’s rigid and uncompromising stance,” he remarked, contrasting their approach with what he described as the public’s demand for solutions over political sloganeering. “People want their problems addressed, not protests and chaos,” he added.
The discussions also underscored Sharif’s vision for a robust parliament as the backbone of political stability and public welfare. Both leaders emphasized the importance of upholding parliamentary supremacy, passing people-centric legislation, and fortifying democratic institutions. Sharif outlined PML-N’s future strategy, focusing on a legislative agenda to tackle pressing national issues like inflation, energy, and security.
The critique comes as PTI ramps up efforts to rally opposition parties against the ruling coalition. Following directives from incarcerated leader Imran Khan, PTI has been courting allies for a grand alliance and an anti-government movement slated to gain momentum after Eid ul Fitr in late April. The breakdown of talks in January—initially aimed at easing political tensions—has fueled PTI’s push to unite forces, with leaders reaching out to parties like JUI-F, ANP, and QWP to bolster their campaign.
In a separate statement on X, Sharif addressed a recent tragedy, expressing grief over the terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan that claimed multiple lives on Tuesday. “These cowardly actions cannot sabotage Pakistan’s security and stability,” he asserted, offering condolences to the victims’ families and praying for the martyrs’ elevation and the injured’s recovery. The attack, which targeted a Quetta-bound train in Bolan, has heightened security concerns, adding urgency to the political discourse.
