PM rules out talks with ‘arsonists & anarchists’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said dialogue was a key to evolving democracy, however, categorically stated that it could not be held with “anarchists and arsonists” in the garb of politicians.

The prime minister’s statement came after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Friday appealed for immediate talks with state officials, the official news agency reported.

https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1663449604673748992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw  

Shehbaz Sharif said dialogue is deeply embedded in the political process, which helps democracy mature and evolve.

He said many political and constitutional breakthroughs occurred when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus.

“However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists and arsonists who wear the garb of politicians and attack the symbols of the State do not qualify for a dialogue,” he said in a Tweet.

The prime minister emphasised that such people should rather be held to account for their militant actions. He also termed it a prevalent practice even in developed democracies.