Long march poses no threat to govt: PM Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sunday ruled out any threat being posed by any protest or long march and that the government was willing to engage in talks with the opposition on all issues.

“Protests or marches cannot resolve problems, as political issues are always sorted out through dialogue,” the Premier noted in an interview here.

He observed some elements were out to spread violence and lawlessness but added that people are judicious and they will never let such elements succeed in fulfilling their evil agenda.

Nawaz Sharif said the grievances of the opposition can be addressed both before and after the long march (of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf scheduled for August 14).

The judiciary and all other institutions were, he said, functioning independently to address opposition’s complaints, adding, therefore the opposition should keep their faith in the democratic institutions.

On the ongoing full-scale military offensive Zarb-e-Azb in militancy-infested North Waziristan Agency, the Prime Minister said the operation has entered a critical phase and that the entire nation has put its weight behind the crackdown on terrorists.