Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that the government is ready for holding “serious talks” with the PTI but “its illegal demands and blackmailing” are not acceptable.Addressing federal cabinet meeting Islamabad on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif said “If the PTI is ready for talks with seriousness then the government is also willing. We would not accept blackmailing in the garb of dialogue.”

He, however, made it clear talks can go ahead in light of “legal demands”.Shehbaz Sharif said harmony amongst all the political parties is important for progress and prosperity of the country. He recalled that he repeatedly made the offer for dialogue. He said if the PTI is ready for dialogue, the government is also prepared to sit with the party.He, however, made it clear that no blackmailing or unlawful actions will be tolerated under the pretext of dialogue.

He emphasized that discussions should be based on legitimate matters.The prime minister expressed the confidence that the successful bidding of PIA would help take forward the privatization agenda. He said Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) privatization is going to be the biggest transaction in the country's history, for which the whole process was made transparent.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)