PTI is running away from negotiations, says PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif Thursday stated that his government wholeheartedly accepted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) offer for negotiations, but the party itself is now running away from talks.

The 24NewsHD TV Channel reported that presiding over a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the premier dismissed the PTI founder’s demand for a judicial commission on the 2024 general elections as unnecessary.

"In 2018, PTI’s founder [Imran Khan] promised a House Committee to probe election rigging, but the committee formed under his own government was never implemented," PM Shehbaz pointed out.

The prime minister also stressed that Pakistan’s economic prosperity and development are only possible through the elimination of terrorism.

"Ending terrorism is the key to ensuring the nation’s progress and stability," he asserted.

Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs and advancing Pakistan towards prosperity and security.

He said prior to the meeting he attended the funeral prayers of Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, who embraced martyrdom in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, he highlighted the unwavering dedication of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and security forces to safeguarding the nation.

He reiterated that it is the collective responsibility of the government and the people to honor and uphold the sanctity of these sacrifices.

“Major Hamza Israr, only 29 years old, sacrificed his life in defense of the country,” the Prime Minister remarked. “I met his grieving parents, who shared that their son always aspired to attain martyrdom. Such bravery and patriotism must never be forgotten.” The Federal Cabinet has approved constitution of a fact-finding committee to investigate motives behind the exaggerated and irresponsible statement by a former Minister regarding PIA's pilots. The cabinet, which met in Islamabad today (Thursday) with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, was briefed on the statement given in the Parliament in 2020 regarding Pakistan International Airlines pilots. It was stated that the former federal minister's statement regarding PIA pilots was irresponsible and exaggerated, severely damaged reputation of the country and the national flag carrier. The statement caused significant financial loss to the national treasury.

The committee will also determine the losses to the national airline and treasury as a result of the irresponsible statement by the former minister.

Furthermore, the cabinet approved the reduction of provincial quota in the Federal Government-administered medical and dental colleges by 25 percent. This measure was taken in the context of the extremely low quota for students, having a domicile of the Islamabad Capital Territory, in provincial medical and dental colleges, so that students with Islamabad domicile can have better educational opportunities in the federal medical and dental colleges. Besides, the cabinet approved Off the Grid Captive Power Plants Levy Ordinance 2025.

The Middle East Green Initiative Charter was also endorsed by the cabinet. Pakistan is among the founding members of this charter. Under this initiative, 200 million hectares of land will be restored and 50 billion trees will be planted.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif stressed that achieving Pakistan’s vision for development and security requires a steadfast commitment from all segments of society. He expressed the government’s resolve to maintain national security while ensuring economic and political stability.

Addressing political matters, the Prime Minister shed light on recent efforts to engage with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for dialogue. He stated that despite a genuine effort to initiate discussions, the opposition party backed out at the last moment.

“A committee was formed, and extensive talks took place as per their demands,” he said. “A final meeting was scheduled for January 28 in response to their written request, yet they withdrew at the eleventh hour.”

The prime minister also recalled his own political struggle in 2018 when he protested against alleged election rigging. “Back then, Imran Khan Niazi assured me of a House committee to probe the matter, but nothing came of it. Nevertheless, I am still prepared, with a clear heart and intention, to advance dialogue for the nation’s progress.”

He told the meeting that the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to lower the policy rate by one percent. This move is aimed at fostering economic growth and stability in the country.

Shehbaz Sharif also voiced concern over the rise in human trafficking incidents, which have led to the loss of many precious lives offshore and tarnished Pakistan’s global image.

“This issue is being closely monitored, and the Ministry of Interior has been taken on board,” he assured. “We will not relent until human trafficking is completely eradicated.”

Reporter: Awais Kiyani