ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Sunday that there was no threat to his government from any protests or long march.

He said he was ready to listen to the opposition’s grievances and redress them it they sat with him before or after the long march.

According to Radio Pakistan, the prime minister said in an interview that certain elements were out to create lawlessness and violence by following the path of agitation.

Political problems are always solved through dialogue and understanding and not through protests and marches. The people are fully aware of their designs and will not let them succeed.

Mr Sharif said the judiciary and other institutions were working independently to address complaints of the opposition and they should be trusted.

He said the Zarb-i-Azb operation in North Waziristan had reached a decisive stage.

The entire nation is backing the operation and opposition parties must also extend their support to the armed forces and the IDPs.

He called upon the opposition to play a positive and constructive role in the larger interests of the country.

Answering a question, the prime minister said his government was taking steps to increase power generation and expressed his resolve that the government would not sit idle till it resolved the power crisis.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2014