PM Shehbaz reiterates offer of meaningful dialogue with opposition

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday renewed the federal government’s offer for talks with the opposition, saying meaningful dialogue required willingness from both sides of the aisle.

Addressing the federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister said it was now up to the opposition to decide when it wanted to come to the negotiating table.

“We are ready for meaningful dialogue. For this, I am inviting the opposition from this forum for talks to resolve all matters via dialogue,” said PM Shehbaz.

He said constructive engagement could help strengthen the country’s democracy and support its economic development.

The prime minister’s latest offer comes despite previous rounds of talks with the major opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), failing to yield a breakthrough.

The renewed offer follows the Supreme Court’s ruling ordering Adiala jail authorities to shift incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, a longstanding demand of the former ruling party.

Imran, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions he and his party describe as politically motivated. Since his ouster in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple legal cases.

The court’s order has potentially created an opening for political engagement, with recent statements from senior figures on both sides indicating a willingness to lower tensions and revive stalled dialogue.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan welcomed the SC ruling and expressed hope that implementation of judicial orders would help reduce the country’s political temperature.

He called for the government to prioritise dialogue over measures that could further deepen political divisions.

“Measures should be taken to resolve political differences through dialogue,” Gohar said, while urging political leaders to avoid statements that could escalate tensions.