ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that contacts and negotiations between political parties were the spirit of democracy. He spoke to Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and spokesperson of the government committees, who held talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf. These contacts help in preparing a joint strategy to solve the problems facing the country and the nation, he added. He said avoiding negotiations was an undemocratic approach that had created tension and also damaged the atmosphere of national solidarity. He said that Pakistan did not need agitation, tussle and confrontation but needed harmony and understanding to adopt a common strategy for building the economy and for eliminating terrorism. The Prime Minister said that with the grace of Allah, the country has made progress and its dignity has also increased internationally. “We will not allow anyone to create obstacles in the way of progress and prosperity through undemocratic behavior,” he added. Senator Irfan Siddiqui briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the discussions with the PTI committee.