During a live business forum in Tajikistan on Thursday, an audience member took a mic to recite a couplet critical of Prime Minister Imran Khan but the premier replied that questions should focus on business matters.

He added there'd be another time for poetry.

The session was broadcast live on PTV but the audience member's reading was silenced by the state broadcaster.

The prime minister and his delegation is in Tajikistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State 2021. Thursday's forum was organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan when the gentleman read the poem.

As Geo reported, when the man was handed the microphone he said: "I have a verse for you, [which goes like] Itne zaalim na bano [don't be unjust]. Imran bhai, this is for you. You have become a prisoner now. You used to be great when you were [protesting] on the container. Right now, we aren't sure what you've gotten yourself involved in," said the man."

He started the verse "Zaalim na banoon, kuch toh murawwat..." before he was cut off and the prime minister said there would be another time for poetry, Inshallah.

Twitter users were divided on the shutting down by the prime minister.

While others said the organizers didn't screen guests properly.

A user shared a video of the man's entire couplet, which was met with some applause.