Time for dialogue with PML-N over: Sheikh Rasheed

ISLAMABAD: While Federal Minster for Science Fawad Chaudhry is in favour of dialogue to defuse the rising political temperatures in the country, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed has said the time for talks with the PML-N is now over.

Speaking during Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath', Rasheed said the doors of Prime Minister House were open to everyone for dialogue on resolving issues, but those who are subject to accountability proceedings initiated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) are not welcome inside.

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The statement from the Railways Minister came after Fawad Chaudhry endorsed PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah’s suggestion that there be "institution-level talks" to resolve the ongoing political crisis and de-escalate tensions between the government and the Opposition.

“The time for dialogue or mediation between the two parties has gone,” Rasheed told show host Shahzeb Khanzada during the show. 

He said he had earlier predicted December 31 to February 20 as a 'decisive period' for Pakistani politics, but "November is now shaping up to be very important for decisions on key matters," he said. 

"Politics may start from November 1 and end on January 20," the minister said, adding that Nawaz Sharif’s speeches had frustrated him. 

He said that Nawaz and Maryam’s narratives could not be acceptable in any way and the people had understood the anti-state agenda of the Opposition.

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“Apparently, only 28 PML-N MNAs attended a [recent] meeting [called by their leaders]. Nawaz and Maryam are agents of anti-Pakistan forces, while the people who have been speaking against the country are mostly wanted by NAB,” he continued.

The minister alleged that Nawaz had deliberately engineered the current situation, as "he is backed by forces that want chaos in Pakistan." 

However, he made it clear that any such attempt will be suppressed with full force.

Rasheed said he had repeatedly said the prime minister was not going anywhere, while Nawaz Sharif had crossed his limits. He said the other opposition parties would not go as far as Nawaz in opposing the PTI-led government.

He claimed the PTI will lead the Senate elections, though seat-adjustments are possible with Fazlur Rehman despite his 6% vote and nine National Assembly seats. 

He again described Nawaz Sharif as a 'political liability' for the Opposition and said he was "trying to wrap up the N-League’s politics in Punjab".

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The federal minister said that as far as the PML-N was concerned, it had taken a very bold step. leaving no room for dialogue with the government. Dialogue, though, is still possible with Fazl, PPP and ANP, he suggested.