Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday ruled out the possibility of any reconciliation with PTI he termed as “seditious elements,” stressing that any future dialogue would only be possible following a complete surrender.
Speaking informally to the media in London, Dar made pointed remarks aimed at the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that there could be “no deal with sedition,” and insisted that those responsible for the events of May 9 must face consequences through due legal process.
“Justice appears to be prevailing in the May 9 cases. Those who were involved are paying the price,” he said. “If someone has been punished after a transparent legal procedure, what can we do? It is unfortunate that millions of dollars are being spent to malign Pakistan’s institutions abroad.”
The PML-N leader also launched a scathing attack on PTI’s founding chairman, alleging that his policies and actions had undermined Pakistan’s national interests.
“The leadership of PTI has actively harmed the country’s standing,” Dar claimed.
Dar also briefed reporters on his recent visit to Belarus, describing it as a significant diplomatic success. He said talks had been held regarding the potential export of 150,000 skilled workers from Pakistan to Belarus, along with collaboration in the manufacturing of heavy machinery.
“This is a comprehensive process. The Belarusian government will soon provide us with details of the sectors in which they require manpower. While they were sourcing talent globally, they have agreed—at our request—to allocate the entire quota to Pakistan,” he said.
Dar added that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shares a longstanding and “very close” friendship with the President of Belarus, which had facilitated these discussions.
In response to a question about Nawaz Sharif’s political future, Dar dismissed the notion that the PML-N leader had ever exited the political stage.
“When did he ever leave politics? He remains the president of the PML-N, and both federal and provincial governments continue to seek his guidance,” said the deputy prime minister.
Dar also revealed that members of the UK-based Pakistani diaspora serving in the cabinet would attend the upcoming overseas convention in Islamabad. He confirmed that the government was actively pursuing the establishment of an international airport in Azad Kashmir, and advertisements had already been issued for a feasibility study. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to make an announcement on the project during the convention.
