Lahore: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Punjab Secretary General Syed Hassan Murtaza has stated that while negotiations can take place with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), talks will not be held with “disruptive elements.” He further emphasized that if the government does not involve PPP in key decisions, it will have to face the consequences.
Speaking at a press conference at the PPP Central Secretariat in Model Town, Murtaza said that the party would reconsider its position on negative decisions taken by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), making it clear that it would not tolerate blackmailing.
He criticized PML-N for making unilateral decisions that were creating distances between the two parties, adding that PPP could not prioritize personal or party interests over the national interest. “If political instability is reduced, the country’s improvement will accelerate,” Murtaza asserted.
The PPP leader also addressed the topic of negotiations, remarking that when PPP talks about negotiations, it is often dismissed as an ‘NRO.’ He claimed that the country is currently experiencing the “biggest NRO,” especially in a time when basic necessities like food, water, education, and healthcare are becoming increasingly unaffordable.
Murtaza accused certain quarters of plotting to release a prisoner, without naming anyone, and criticized the silence surrounding it. “We are neither part of any NRO nor will we accept one,” he said, highlighting that PPP leaders have endured personal suffering and sacrifices in the past.
He also reiterated that PPP would openly oppose any negotiations involving PTI unless these talks are based on justice. “Justice should come from the courts, not through negotiations,” he remarked.
Murtaza clarified that while PPP is open to dialogue with democratic forces, it will not engage with those who promote terrorism and violence. “We will not sit with those who spread terrorism and vandalize property,” he concluded, adding that democratic individuals within PTI could still be engaged in talks.
