PM Imran says Afghan Taliban wanted to meet him but Kabul protested

PM Imran says Afghan Taliban wanted to meet him but Kabul protested

Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the Afghan Taliban wanted to meet him but the Afghan government protested.

"The Afghan Taliban wanted to meet me but I did not meet them after the government in Kabul protested,” PM Imran said while talking to journalists here on Monday. “The Afghan government wants to meet leaders of the group themselves and improve the situation," he added.

Speaking about Nawaz Sharif's medical treatment, PM Imran said the government was providing all the facilities to the former premier. “Nawaz can avail medical treatment wherever he wishes within the country,” he stated.

“Nawaz installed 30 factories from one factory but could not build a single hospital where he can be treated, despite being in power for 30 years," the PM said. "There is no such law to send Nawaz abroad for medical treatment," he asserted.

"No blackmailing will work and nor will anyone be given the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO)," the premier reiterated.

"I have full faith in the chief ministers of Punjab Usman Buzdar and and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan. Give both the chief ministers some time and you will see the results yourself," he maintained.

PM Imran further told the journalists that it was possible that India could sponsor a terrorist attack in Pakistan before the start of its general elections next month. “We cannot let our guard down. We have to remain alert,” said the premier.

On the increase in gas prices, the premier said, "The hike in tariffs is owing to a short fall of gas and liquified natural gas (LNG). We buy 1,400 cubic feet of gas and sell it for Rs650."

"The reason for the energy crisis lies in faulty transmission lines. In previous eras, no work was done on transmission lines," the premier lamented.