LAHORE: As the PTI initiates talks with its bitter rival JUI-F, a faction within PML-N has also advised the Sharif family to extend an olive branch to Imran Khan’s party, a party leader has told Dawn.

However, any thaw in the animosity between the two parties is unlikely in the near future as the leadership is “in no mood” to extend any friendly gestures to the PTI.

The initial suggestion for a reconciliatory approach with all parties was proffered by senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique, who proposed the idea of a national government, having representation of all parties, including the PTI-backed independent candidates who won on Feb 8.

“All parties present in the National Assembly should form a national government for a certain period. This proposal should be heeded with a cool mind,” Mr Rafique said in a post on his official X account on Thursday.

The PML-N leader, who lost to PTI-backed Sardar Latif Khosa on Lahore’s NA-122 seat, said no party had a majority in parliament.

“Mutual hatred is at its peak. To steer the country out of the economic crisis and reduce polarisation, there is a need to break the idols of ego and vengeance.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by another PML-N leader, who said that the fight with PTI “needs to end”.

“It has been two years since this fight has been going on. Those at the helm need to initiate dialogue to end this fight for the sake of the country; otherwise, there will be no political stability, and economic conditions will worsen,” the PML-N leader told Dawn while seconding Mr Rafique’s proposal.

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After the nomination of Ms Sharif as Punjab chief minister, no leniency towards PTI could be expected.

When asked about Mr Rafique’s proposal, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn that the party’s stance on the issue was stated by Nawaz Sharif at his presser and “the process of consultation with other parties has been initiated”.

On the flip side, a PML-N leader close to Maryam Nawaz Sharif told Dawn that the leadership was in no mood for reconciliation with Mr Khan’s party.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2024