Featured

There would be no talks with the PTI until its founder Imran Khan apologises for the events of May 9: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE, August 31 (SABAH): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal Chauhdry has said that there would be no talks with the PTI until its founder Imran Khan apologised for the events of May 9.

A consultative meeting of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was held in Lahore on Saturday chaired by PML-N President and former prime minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to review relief measures being taken by the federal and Punjab governments.

While talking to media persons after the meeting Ahsan Iqbal rebuked the PTI, claiming they had caused more damage than terrorists had done and questioned how any dialogue could take place with such people. He also condemned the former ruling party’s approach, particularly its insistence on demanding ‘receipts’ from opponents.

The minister also highlighted that the country is currently facing an undeclared war, with enemies attempting to destabilise the nation through terrorism and internal conflicts. 

Also, according to Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. “The prime minister also plans to engage with other political leaders as well,” he said.

Discussing the PML-N meeting, Ahsan Iqbal revealed that rising electricity prices was a key topic of discussion. The party leadership stressed the importance of resolving the energy crisis to provide relief to the public, he added.

He also noted that the local government system was part of the party’s manifesto.

Ahsan Iqbal said the Punjab government has started providing relief to people of province in electricity bills through Rs 46 billion package. He said Nawaz Sharif advised to complete reforms in local bodies law as it was part of party’s manifesto.

He said the PML-N Government is working on removing shortcomings of power sector. The Minister said the government will bring down power tariff in coming two years.

To a question, Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan needs peace and continuity of policies for progress.

He said unemployment rate and inflation has been lowered due to policy measures introduced by the government. Ahsan Iqbal also expressed satisfaction over performance of the stock market.