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TOBA TEK SINGH: Two federal ministers on Friday severely criticised the opposition PTI, with one claiming that the party’s relevance will end soon owing to its “negative politics” while the other ruling out dialogue on the issue of granting pardon in the £190 million case.
Talking to reporters after the fifth annual convocation of the Government College Women University Faisalabad, Petroleum Minister Dr Musadik Malik recalled a recent meeting between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and said there is a relationship of love and respect with the JUI-F chief.
He said there is no problem if Maulana Fazl holds dialogue with the government representatives together with the opposition leaders. However, he added, there will not be a dialogue on the issue of pardoning the theft of £190m — a reference to the conviction of PTI leader Imran Khan in the corruption case.
In response to a question, the minister said that some people had hoped that if Donald Trump won the election he would intervene in Pakistan’s internal affairs. However, he added, nothing has happened after Mr Trump’s victory.
Talks for pardon in graft case ruled out
He said politicians should resolve internal matters within themselves, adding that doors of negotiations were never closed in politics.
Earlier, Mr Malik asked the youth to use their abilities for a better future and work day and night for the country’s improvement.
Talking in a TV show later, Mr Malik claimed that PTI was trying to restart a campaign against national institutions. He asked the party to avoid spreading chaos through public meetings.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that PTI’s relevance will end soon because of its “violence-inciting” politics, Dawn.com reported.
After more than a year of heightened tensions between the government and the PTI, the two sides commenced negotiations in December to bring down political temperatures. But despite weeks of negotiations, the process stalled on two issues — the formation of two judicial commissions and the release of PTI prisoners.
The defence minister, in a video message that was broadcast on various news channels, said, “Things will settle down soon and their [PTI] relevance will end as will their politics of inciting violence.”
Mr Asif also briefly spoke about the Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, who was awarded a ceremonial guard of honour during his visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday.
The minister said that PTI, including Imran Khan, used to have close ties with the army chief in the past. “Now, the party and supporters use foul language against the army.”
“The kind of tactics PTI uses are not seen anywhere else in the world,” he remarked, adding that the country’s situation was improving, causing heightened anxiety for the opposition party.
The minister further said, “The army is rendering sacrifices for the country, but the PTI continues to spread propaganda against Pakistan”.
Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2025
