Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Rejects Imran Khan’s Offer for Talks, Calls for Accountability

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif categorically rejected Imran Khan’s offer to engage in talks following the May 9 riots and violent protests staged by the PTI.

Declining negotiations with Mr. Khan’s party, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible for the destruction of public and private property during the May 9 incidents.

While acknowledging the importance of dialogue for the advancement of democracy, the PM stated that it cannot be conducted with individuals he referred to as “anarchists and arsonists” masquerading as politicians.

The Prime Minister’s statement came shortly after Imran Khan appealed to the authorities for immediate talks with state officials.

In the past, Mr. Khan had labeled the current rulers as “thieves” and explicitly stated that he would never engage in dialogue with them.

In his tweet, the Prime Minister acknowledged the role of dialogue in the political process, contributing to the growth and maturation of democracy. He highlighted that many political and constitutional breakthroughs have been achieved through leaders coming together to establish consensus.

“However, there is a significant distinction here; the anarchists and arsonists who disguise themselves as politicians and target symbols of the state are not eligible for dialogue,” he added.

PM Shehbaz emphasized that such individuals should be held accountable for their militant actions, citing it as a common practice even in developed democracies.

Possibility of Imran facing a military court trial

Separately, during an interview on DawnNews, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah accused Imran Khan of personally planning the attacks on military installations prior to his arrest on May 9. He claimed that there was evidence to support this allegation.

When asked about the likelihood of Imran facing trial in a military court, Mr. Sanaullah responded, “Absolutely, why shouldn’t he? The program he devised to target military installations and its execution, in my opinion, is unquestionably a matter for a military court.”

Regarding how Imran was able to communicate with his party leaders even from jail, the interior minister stated, “All of this [planning] was decided before his arrest, including who would do what and where. Strategies and duties were all planned in advance.”