PM Shehbaz Urges PTI to End March, Warns of Economic Damage

Speaking at a foundation stone ceremony for an underpass in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his conditional offer for dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), urging the party to call off its long march.

The prime minister warned that protests and sit-ins could derail the country's economic progress, questioning if jamming the "wheel of development" was not an act of "enmity against the country."

He also blamed the PTI for the failure of previous negotiations, stating that talks held in the Speaker's chamber were unsuccessful because the PTI delegation attempted to change points that had already been settled.

"End the long march and sit-in, and then we will sit together for talks," the premier stated, adding that the law would take its course against any disruptions.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has renewed the government's offer for dialogue with the PTI, stating that "matters can only be resolved via dialogue."

His comments on October 6 echo Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's earlier call for the PTI to end its long march before talks can begin.

Meanwhile, reports from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suggest administrative challenges for the PTI-led provincial government. Available details indicate that key officials, including the chief secretary and provincial police chief, are reportedly not implementing the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi's administration as the march proceeds.

Addressing an event in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated his offer to hold talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on the condition that the opposition party first ends its ongoing long march towards the capital.

His remarks came as the PTI caravan, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, reportedly reached Kohat.

The prime minister warned that prolonged political unrest could disrupt economic activities and harm the nation. "I urge you to end the long march and sit-in, and then we will sit together for talks," he said.