WEB DESK: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday dismissed the ongoing dialogue process with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a ‘joke.’
Addressing the media, Asif revealed that he had recently inquired with the ministers involved in the talks about any communication from the PTI, only to be informed that no one had contacted them.
Asif was of the view that in case the PTI intends to hold negotiations, then it should approach the government first. He was of the opinion that talks be initiated through the National Assembly speaker. The Defence Minister clarified that the government will respond only after formal contact from PTI.
He further said, “Although PTI came forward for dialogue after the change of situation, their activities before November 26, however, remained the same. Asif said it was either respectful dialogue by PTI or complete silence for any meaningful dialogue”.
The Defence Minister also opined that the founder of PTI and former Prime Minister Imran Khan must head the efforts at dialogue, asserting that there is no other prominent figure within the party apart from Khan, and nobody has that influence.
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