Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended an olive branch to his political rival Imran Khan, offering him to sit and talk if he has any issues.
“If their [PTI] founder is facing troubles [in jail], then I reiterate: come, let’s sit down and talk,” said the premier while speaking in National Assembly.
The premier said that there was a time in this house when politicians would severely criticise one another, but they would also stand with their rivals during times of happiness and sorrow.
The PML-N and PTI have been at loggerheads for years, particularly after the February 8 elections, which Imran’s party claims it had won.
Speaking about the 2018 elections, the prime minister said: “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.”
“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.”
The PM lamented that he had once again, while he was in the opposition, proposed Imran to sit on the talking table but such slogans were raised again. “So who is responsible for this bitterness [between politicians]. We don’t even shake hands now,” he expressed.
He also mentioned how Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah were treated during their time in jail.
The premier recalled proposing a compact economy in his first speech, only to have it rejected outright.
Sharif extended an offer to discuss the economy again, questioning who is responsible for the current bitterness that has prevented even the simplest of gestures, like shaking hands.
The prime minister recounted his own time in jail, sharing that he was denied leave when his mother passed away. Despite enduring significant personal hardships, including severe back pain and being transported with dangerous inmates, Sharif maintained resilience even while battling cancer.
Highlighting the distinction between the rights of undertrial and convicted prisoners, PM Shehbaz emphasised the need to avoid subjecting Imran Khan to similar mistreatment.
