Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that illegal blackmailing under the pretext of negotiations is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister made it clear that if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is serious about talks, the government is also ready; however, negotiations can only take place on legitimate demands.
He emphasized that consensus and harmony among all political parties are essential for the country’s development and prosperity. Reiterating his offer to the opposition, the prime minister said that dialogue can move forward on valid issues, adding that an invitation for talks has already been extended from the floor of the National Assembly.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also informed the cabinet that Field Marshal Asim Munir has been awarded with an honored of Abdul Aziz , stating that the honor is not for an individual alone but for the entire nation.
Congratulating the national Under-19 cricket team on their outstanding performance in the Under-19 Asia Cup, the prime minister said the team deserves appreciation for this achievement.
Speaking about the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the prime minister said that the relevant authorities and members of the federal cabinet have worked diligently on the process.
He praised the efforts of the deputy prime minister, the minister for defense, and the minister for finance, noting that for the first time in Pakistan’s history, the privatization process is being carried out in a transparent manner.
He stressed the importance of ensuring transparency in the bidding process, adding that successful completion of the bidding would lead to further improvements.
The prime minister said that bids were received in sealed envelopes and that the entire bidding process is being broadcast live.
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan must move forward and that the government is ready to take every possible step for the country’s development and prosperity.
