Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub has said that dialogues with the government are precondition with release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and other detainees. Responding to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer of talks, he clarified that the talks will be held only after PTI founder and other detainees were set at liberty. Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Omar Ayub addressed the prime minister, whom he referred to as "Form 47 PM". The speaker intervened, saying the environment was improving, to which Ayub responded that he had the right to reply. He said the House could only function with mutual respect.

The Opposition Leader mentioned that while Shehbaz Sharif talked about his mother's funeral, he attended Kulsoom Nawaz's funeral but could not attend his own father's funeral. Reconciliation would only be possible if the government make amends for mistreatment of Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mahmoodur Rashid, Hassaan Niazi and others, he added. At this point, the speaker asked Omar to sit down, stating that he had made his point and had been allowed to speak. However, the opposition leader continued to speak and said his leader was detained in a death cell while others were provided with air-conditioners. He contended that the country's instability was due to a lack of rule of law.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan