PML-N leader opposes govt-PTI talks until Imran Khan's apology

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Javed Latif opposed the decision of the coalition government to hold talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying that there should be no negotiations until the PTI chief publicly apologises, ARY News reported on Thursday.

According to details, during a National Assembly session, PML-N leader Javed Latif questioned his own government. He said, “Why did we take PTI’s filth on our own head?”, “Everything we have been saying about Imran Khan was wrong?”

The PML-N leader demanded that negotiations should not take place with PTI until they publicly apologize to the nation.

Javed Latif demanded a level-playing field for Nawaz Sharif, saying that election cannot be held until justice is served to the PML-N supremo. He further said that elections can only be held if they apologise for the cases registered against Nawaz Sharif.

READ: BREAKTHROUGH IN NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN RULING COALITION, PTI

Earlier in the day, negotiations between the government and PTI commenced at Parliament House to break the political impasse following the orders from Supreme Court (SC).

A three-member delegation – comprising of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Ali Zafar – were representing PTI in the talks.

Meanwhile, the government’s panel includes Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani, Saad Rafique, Naveed Qamar, and Kishwar Zehra.

The negotiations were taking place in the Parliament House Committee Room.

Talking to journalists before the talks, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi hoped for a breakthrough in negotiations. “We should hope for the best even in despair,” he said.

Moreover, Fawad Chaudhry noted that PTI has only a one-point agenda of demanding elections. “We have spoken to [party chief] Imran Khan and our matters are settled,” he said, adding that the three-member committee has the full mandate.

He further said that as per the Constitution, elections should be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly. “Negotiations will only take place as per constitution and law”, he added.