ISLAMABAD (National Times) Opposition leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub said on Wednesday dialogue with the government was possible only if PTI founder Imran Khan and other detainees were set at liberty.

Ayub said so in response to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of talks, stating that “discussions will take place only when the PTI founder and other detainees are released.”

Speaking in the National Assembly, Ayub addressed the prime minister, whom he referred to as “Form 47 PM”. The speaker intervened, saying the environment was improving, to which Ayub responded that he had the right to reply.

He said the House could only function with mutual respect.

Ayub mentioned that while Shehbaz Sharif talked about his mother’s funeral, he attended Kulsoom Nawaz’s funeral but could not attend his own father’s funeral.
The opposition leader also stated that reconciliation would only be possible if the government make amends for mistreatment of Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mahmoodur Rashid, Hassaan Niazi and others.

At this point, the speaker asked Ayub to sit down, stating that he had made his point and had been allowed to speak.

Despite this, the opposition leader continued to speak and said his leader was detained in a death cell while others were provided with air-conditioners. He contended that the country’s instability was due to a lack of rule of law.