PM Shehbaz Sharif extends olive branch to jailed Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended an olive branch to jailed Imran Khan, offering to engage in talks to resolve their differences.

This gesture from prime minister comes amidst a backdrop of intense political rivalry between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parties, which has been ongoing for years.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his willingness to sit down with Imran Khan, saying, “If PTI founder is facing troubles in jail, then I reiterate: come, let’s sit down and talk”.

The premier also reminisced about a time when politicians would engage in constructive criticism, but also show solidarity with their rivals during times of happiness and sorrow.

PM Shehbaz Sharif also mentioned how Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah were treated during their time in jail when PTI was in power.

Ayub responds

However, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, responded to the prime minister’s offer by stating that the PTI would only engage in talks once Imran Khan and other incarcerated party workers and leaders were released from jail.

Ayub highlighted the alleged mistreatment of PTI workers, including the detention of female workers in prison vans at extreme temperatures, and the harsh conditions faced by Imran Khan in a “death cell”.

It is pertinent to mention here that PM Shehbaz Sharif also met with opposition leader and other PTI leaders in the National Assembly session today.