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ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday decided to resume dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
Official sources told Dawn that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took the decision after his meeting with the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah.
After the government's announcement of resuming talks with the PTI, a formal contact with the party was expected to be established soon.
Earlier today, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah said Information Minister Pervez Rashid's statement that the government would not hold talks with PTI was disappointing.
It was necessary for the PML-N led government to hold talks with PTI, the Pakistan Peoples Party leader said, adding that in the other case, the government risked weakening its own standing.
Read | Imran's Plan C: Paralyse major cities, paralyse Pakistan
The government had ruled out on Sunday the possibility of resuming dialogue with PTI, after its chairman Imran Khan said he would shut down major cities, and then the whole country, later this month.
Addressing a crowd of thousands assembled at D-Chowk, the PTI chief had unveiled his party's ‘Plan C’ to put pressure on the ruling government.
“On Thursday (Dec 4), I will go to Lahore and shut it down. On Dec 8 I will shut down Faisalabad; on Dec 12, I will go to Karachi and shut it down. By Dec 16, I will close down all of Pakistan,” Imran had said.
Responding to the PTI chief's ‘Plan C’, Information Minister Pervez Rashid had said the government would not resume talks until the PTI chief gave up what he called “the politics of turmoil”.
Read | Govt rules out talks with PTI amid threats
“We cannot sit down to talk to someone who is working on a foreign agenda to destabilise the country. We will talk to somebody who is loyal and patriotic,” he said.
“Imran Khan does not want any patients to go to hospital, no students to attend class and no factory or industry to run,” he said, adding that the government would foil Khan’s plan.
“Youths, women and even the elderly will also come out of their homes and won’t allow PTI to forcibly close shops and shut down public transport during its protest,” he said.
He said Imran Khan wanted to recreate the bitterness of the fall of Dhaka — seeing as he had chosen the anniversary of Pakistan’s defeat as the day that he would jam the machinery of the entire country.
Read | Pakistan will not be paralysed on Imran's call: Khurshid Shah
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (66) Closed
Dec 01, 2014 04:52pm
It is a good move. Dialogue is the best strategy to resolve the issues. Hope PTI will retaliate by withdrawing the calls for plan C of their agitations and focus on dialogue within the assembly and outside.
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Dec 01, 2014 04:54pm
That Is the first positive move in last 110days.
May ALLAH guide them for the best.
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Dec 01, 2014 04:55pm
Finally! Sense prevailed!
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Dec 01, 2014 05:00pm
"Gov rules out talks with PTI" says rasheed...and now "Gov decides to resume talks with PTI" after meeting with khursheed. This is how sharifs solve issues for the poor country.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:01pm
What a hide and seek game.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:08pm
Why don,t our PM just give a shut up call to information minister parvez rashid and take matters in his own hand? This mean person,s daily statements are fueling the fire and giving bad impression about PML-N as well.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:09pm
Wait for another deadline followed by another deadline and on and on and on and every 1 will be bored dead by than.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:12pm
Good move by NS. Though talking to ever-changing ik is difficult.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:12pm
Thanks God. I hope both sides will negotiate sincerely and agree on a fair election audit.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:15pm
strange the information minister said earlier today that the Government would not be having any discussions. Now they are willing to talk.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:19pm
Good decision by GOVT to talk with PTI,
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Dec 01, 2014 05:22pm
I never expected to say this, but you're a real leader Mr Sharif, as shown by your magnanimity. Its obvious now, Mr. Khan is aged adolescent.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:24pm
"Govt decides to resume talks with PTI"
"Govt rules out talks with PTI amid threats"
Which one do you want me to believe? Two contradictory headlines. Well done.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:31pm
This must be last concession to pti.i think shah mahmood qureshi will play tricks and make talks a failure.if this happens deal with ik as he deserves pm sir.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:31pm
Just open the 4 constituencies as legally requested by PTI, problem resolved.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:47pm
Good move Khan. Now finally the Govt. realize they will have to do something
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Dec 01, 2014 05:52pm
I suggest that Nawaz straight walk to Imran at Dharna and discuss all matters. This is the only way Imran gets face saving and on other side Nawaz gain respects of all local plus international community. I request Mr. Nawaz to understand my suggestion and by pass all his Ministers recommendations.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:54pm
What is It that NS going to discuss? How did he stole the mandate. Time for u to move on buddy. This is not 90's.
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Dec 01, 2014 05:58pm
So government has confirmed that they had decided before not to negotiate but now have changed their mind. It confirms that NS and co were telling lies before by saying that PTI had pulled out of talks. Their motto is lies, lies and more lies. I don't beleive that they are interested in talks and these are all delaying tactics to fool the public and media. They will never agree to investigate the elections and Lahore massacre as it will expose them and they know it.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:04pm
Talk is good but question is would IK and his team will have agreements within constitution or will keep behaving like anokha ladla
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Dec 01, 2014 06:05pm
Too Little Too Late!
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Dec 01, 2014 06:12pm
Reading the comments, one would think that the talks are the first attempt to break the deadlock since 14th August. In fact they are not; remember the mediation attempts of Siraj ul Haq and Rehman Malik? Basically the talks floundered because of the absurd demand of the PTI for the Prime Minister to resign. Unless PTI starts living in the real world these talks will also fail. It is also somewhat disturbing that PAT and PTI started their dharna on greatest day in Pakistan's history (14 August) and are attempting to re-ignite it on the saddest (16th December)
Shame on you Imran.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:13pm
Information Minister Pervez Rashid will be the first casualty before the peace talks begin. Listening to him on Dr. Shahid Masood show, he appeared very emotional and convinced that holding talks with PTI will be an insult to PMN-N Government.
It is apparent that Third Umpire has signaled.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:19pm
I don't think Imran Khan is interested in talks. He is more interested in dislodging the Govt at any cost.That's why he keep on maintaining the same attitude since quite a long time.So what I guess is that we'll be seeing some trouble during the coming days.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:21pm
Shows how close Khurshid and Zardari are to NS compared to his own PMLNs Rasheed. Lol.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:25pm
i am bored of all channels airing the same nonsense everyday. let protestors go home and new entertainment begin.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:42pm
PPP playing cards, it is wise move by PPP. Let's see what comes next, enough food for news channels
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Dec 01, 2014 06:43pm
Looking at the past history of PML N, these will meaningless talks and these would stop as soon as the govt. is not under pressure any more. I hope, I am proved wrong.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:52pm
Pressure on the PM paying off. I say PTI needs to keep the ball in the PM's court more. As IK has now backed off from his demand of PM's resignation, he has shown great flexibility. Other parties now need to play a constructive role and need to pressure the government for a clear vote audit which is a constitutional demand. PPP's only chance of gaining respect in this situation is if they are able to mediate and resolve this issue quickly and in a way that is acceptable to both parties.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:57pm
Talks were going on but it was IK how announce that he will not accept any decision from the TALKS.
IK is problem not the elections. I feel bad how blindly people following him. Feel sorry for all you guys.
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Dec 01, 2014 06:58pm
This is a pure dictatorship. If one person asks for justice and knocks the door of every institution but fails because that is against the will of BadshaSalamat. This is what we need to change. Please stand up against this status quo. If we flow what the this status quo argue then wait for others to fill the vacuum, that may be from outside
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Dec 01, 2014 07:03pm
I do not more believe on nawaz sharif.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:05pm
The talk should start unconditionally.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:11pm
If N-league is so confident and are so honest, WHY in HEAVENS did they not open the 4 constituencies or open them now? Why do they keep stalling? What are they hiding?
I believe N-league would've had the lead, but PTI would not be so far behind. OR, some key members of the N-league lost and they are wrongly advising Nawaz Sharif and running him into the ground, e.g. Saad Rafique, Ayaz Sadiq, there are very strong proof against these two and a number of others.
PML-N supporters, please advise PM Nawaz Sharif to come out of this traditional favoritism politics and make a transparent inquiry. He can rule more peacefully and Pakistan can turn a new leaf.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:18pm
Nawaz should just agree to investigation and end the political impasse.. Imran's demands are completely legitimate.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:22pm
What other options does it have?
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Dec 01, 2014 07:30pm
NS should control the crazy statement from his inept ministers. Where is Parvez Rashid & Saad Rafiq! They are the main obstacles in settlement of issues as they created hype earlier.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:42pm
We are with you Imran Khan.
Long live PTI.
Long live Pakistan.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:43pm
U-Turn, looks like the Jalsa was scary.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:50pm
They cannot be trusted at all, they want PTI to go for violence and then they will show the world that this is the real face of IK, didn't we tell you before we are the best choice Pakistan has.
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Dec 01, 2014 07:54pm
Nothing will come out of this. Why hold talks for the sake of talks? PML likes holding talks, NS likes holding talks on foreign trips and endless talks with Taliban. So far out of all these talks what has come out of it? Nothing zero but there are a lot of zeros in his bank account
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Dec 01, 2014 07:55pm
The power is shifting to the public. Media has empowered the nation. The two combined has resulted in the common man and women using the power of their vote. This is something, these old antiquated parties are not being able to deal with. Hence, the fight of fright, to save their '. Teri bari, meri bari' Undisturbed power pendulum. Let change begin.
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Dec 01, 2014 08:00pm
Dec 16, a new Pakistan? If my memory serves me right, a new Pakistan was created on Dec 16, 1971. This time what will it be?
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Dec 01, 2014 08:04pm
No one in the entire PMLN cabinet could not have given this advise to the PM. What a shame. They had to rely upon an opposition leader to open their eyes. There is absolutely no leadership in this party. They have no power to make decisions.
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Dec 01, 2014 08:05pm
NS know it too well that public is with IK to know what had happened to their vote. This doesnt happen in even third world countries that the ruling party is not interested in investigation of alleged rigging. We need to have complete transparent election process with finger prints as this way noone could challenge that.
Clearly parties who have been a party of rigging doesnt want that becuase they know public wont vote them for their incompetence. I hope justice prevails
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Dec 01, 2014 08:11pm
Pervaiz Rasheed is being made to eat his own words. The way he was talking on the Shahid Masoood show, it seemed like the govt. will not bow down to the pressure. I guess now he will twist his statements to save his face. PMLN has realized that they cannot stop cities from being jammed as IK stated especially Lahore and Faisalabad ( I am not too sure about Karachi). PMLN internally knows that Lahore has more IK supporters than NS. This city is not the same as it used to be.
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Dec 01, 2014 08:14pm
Certainly hope it's last decision by PM, hopefully IK shows his co-operation.
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Dec 01, 2014 08:26pm
This good move, PM should advice Dar to finalise it within two sitting or within a week. It is not possible in Assembly. It should be out side. It will be more credible if Rehman Malik and Sirasjul Haque join the with Dar and Qureshi. Dar and Qureshi can not reach to any decision some one else is required. If dialogue are fruit full IK should with draw plan C otherwise IK should move to plan C with full throttle. This close up is not first time and is not much strange and new.
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Dec 01, 2014 08:29pm
In which world khursheed shah is living,Pakistan is already paralyzed ever since father Bhutto came into power.
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Dec 01, 2014 08:52pm
Information Minister Parveez Rasheed is an instigator, he creating more problems for the government. Looks like he not speaking on behalf of Government, he must have personal gourde with Imran Khan. Khursheed Shah just superseded information Minister 's statement & Nawaz Sharif decided to negotiate. There is no maturity in PML-N leadership to make wise decision.
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Dec 01, 2014 09:26pm
So, what are they going to talk about? May be a deal under the table for Imran to save face and nawaz to go on looting the country without fear from Imran?
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Dec 01, 2014 10:05pm
Nawaz admin is disorganized. One say no ad the other day yes. Confused people. They need to work on strategy and communication.
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Dec 01, 2014 11:46pm
Leader of the Opposition from PPP has again shown maturity hence Pakistan Peoples Party is the only party who actually knows what politics really is.
Bravo PPP
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Dec 02, 2014 12:03am
Excellet move to resume talks.Sincere efforts must be made to find an amicable solution.The failure would be disasterous for the country,people and leaders also who must not repeat not fail.Leaders are expected to take the nation out of turbulance.
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Dec 02, 2014 12:18am
No talks: rigging PM have to resign
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Dec 02, 2014 12:31am
Mr. Sharif, hold mid term election fair & without rigging, if you think you won previous election fairly, then you should have no fear.
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Dec 02, 2014 02:12am
Nawaz's face says it all. I see elections next year.
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Dec 02, 2014 06:20am
IK should take advantage of this offer and talk.
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Dec 02, 2014 06:37am
@Dr chachar Your remark "deal with ik as he deserves pm sir" is offencive. IK is leader of millions, implying that the millions need to be dealt with the "pm sir" way. This is the very mind set IK is fighting against.
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Dec 02, 2014 07:33am
Spineless govt! Liars like Ik who are suffering from arrogance cannot be negotiated with , like talibans you have to destroy them , but this time with principled politics
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Dec 02, 2014 08:13am
@rkc Oh please have mercy.
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Dec 02, 2014 08:16am
@ashar Agree he needs to bypass all his "Derbaris", who are bringing him down quickly, and engage in direct talk with Imran Khan.
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Dec 02, 2014 08:44am
It will be in the best interest of Nawaz Sharif to step down sooner than later. Pakistanis are running out of patience. His stay in power is making Pakistan a failed state, a goal that West wants. He is being instrumental in West achieving its goal. Nawaz Shouldn't forget what happened to Shah of Iran. Nawaz could meet the same fate as the Shah of Iran did or even worse.
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Dec 02, 2014 09:38am
Dialogue not for the sake of delaying the issue... what's needed is a meaningful dialogue with sincere commitment to investigate the rigging in Election and punish the people involved.
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Dec 03, 2014 12:16pm
@Ijaz I just don't understand how most of you are supporting such a corrupt government IK has been tried one should give him a chance as far is KPK is concerned I get different reports some says there is
some improvement in education secret IK doesn't 't have a magic
Wand it will take sometime, lot of dirth and filth has got accumulated in the country it will take quite a while before it shows any signs of improvement so be patient give IK
a chance.
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Dec 03, 2014 02:30pm
@Ijaz Why shame on Imran shame on PM for looting and plundering the country.
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