In a significant development, a prominent business leader has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to extend an olive branch to his political rival, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated. The suggestion was made during a Q&A session with PM Shehbaz, who was in Karachi to address trade and economic concerns with the business community. Arif Habib, a business tycoon and owner of a top brokerage firm, commended PM Shehbaz’s past efforts in securing an IMF bailout package. Recalling his meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in June last year, Habib suggested that the Prime Minister make amends with both India, a neighboring country, and with Imran Khan to ensure stability in the nation. “…secondly, you should also shake hand with an inmate of Adiala jail. I think these two steps will yield positive results,” he remarked.
Earlier today, PM Shehbaz assured Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah of the federal government’s full support in resolving issues raised by the provincial authorities. “We will work together like brothers, like a team in the interest of the people of Pakistan,” said the premier while chairing a meeting at the CM’s House. The Prime Minister added that working together is the only option for the sake of progress and prosperity and that they will make no compromises on this. PM Shehbaz told CM Murad he is present at his “beck and call”. The premier’s assurance came after the provincial chief minister lamented the lack of support from the Centre regarding Sindh’s inclusion in new development schemes. “In the last four years, the federation ignored Sindh in new schemes,” the chief minister said briefing PM Shehbaz in Karachi today. Various matters were discussed during a meeting chaired by the premier, which was held following his arrival to the port city for a day-long visit after being elected as premier for the second time.
