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 the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Friday appealed for immediate talks with state officials.
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.
The prime minister emphasized that such people should rather be held to account for their militant actions.
Dialogue is deeply embedded in the political process, which helps democracy mature & evolve. Many political & constitutional breakthroughs occured when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus.
However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists &…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 30, 2023
He also termed it a prevalent practice even in developed democracies.
On May 9, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) which triggered nation-wide protests that transformed into violence.
Subsequently, a few state institutions, including Corps Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore, came under attack. The protesters also set multiple buildings on fire.
Police arrested scores of PTI workers and leaders and many of them are currently in prisons.
