POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Shaukat Yousafzai: Third Round of Talks with Government May Be the Last

PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai warns that the third round of talks with the government could be the last, citing lack of seriousness. Criticizes PML-N, PPP, and federal policies.
2025-01-10
Shaukat Yousafzai: Third Round of Talks with Government May Be the Last

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Yousafzai has issued a stern warning that the third round of negotiations between the government and PTI may be the final one, as he accused the government of lacking seriousness in the dialogue process.

Speaking to the media, Yousafzai expressed disappointment over internal conflicts within the PTI becoming public, particularly referencing the ongoing dispute between Sher Afzal Marwat and Salman Akram Raja. “The senior party leadership must establish discipline within the party,” he urged.

Talks with the Government

Regarding the ongoing dialogue with the government, Yousafzai expressed skepticism about its outcome, stating, “The third round of talks may be the last because the government is not serious.” He accused the government of operating under limited authority, highlighting that negotiations should be directly held with PTI’s founder.

“It is clear the government is now on the back foot. The founder of PTI has already said that the government lacks authority. If they truly had authority, why has the negotiation committee not met with the founder?” he questioned.

Yousafzai claimed that PTI has successfully exposed the government's weaknesses through these talks, adding, “The government seems afraid of meaningful dialogue. The establishment should understand by now that PML-N and PPP are a burden on the country.”

Economic Criticism

The PTI leader also criticized the federal government for its handling of the economy, highlighting the substantial debt incurred over the last two years. “They are talking about ‘Udan Pakistan,’ but where is the money? 27 trillion rupees have been borrowed in two years. Will this initiative run on loans?” he asked.

He demanded transparency, urging the government to disclose where the borrowed funds had been spent. “The people deserve an account of these funds. Despite this massive borrowing, the nation has not received even one rupee of relief,” Yousafzai lamented.

Punjab’s Development Claims

Shaukat Yousafzai also took aim at development claims in Punjab, dismissing them as hollow gestures. “False claims of development are being made in Punjab. Distributing laptops does not win the hearts of the people,” he remarked.

The PTI leader’s statements reflect the growing tension between PTI and the government as both sides navigate through political and economic challenges. With the third round of talks approaching, the outcome could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape.