Islamabad— Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated his offer to hold talks with the opposition but made it clear that dialogue could proceed only on legitimate matters.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he said the government was open to negotiations if the opposition was serious but warned that blackmail under the guise of dialogue would not be tolerated.
The prime minister referred to reports of the opposition PTI and its allies discussing talks and recalled that he had invited the opposition for dialogue several times in the past, including on the floor of the National Assembly.
He stressed that harmony among political parties was essential for the country’s progress and economic stability.
The government’s position on dialogue
PM Shehbaz said discussions could only move forward in a constructive and lawful manner.
He added that the government remained ready for talks, but only if the opposition raised demands within constitutional and legal limits.
He said Pakistan’s ongoing political and economic challenges required maturity and restraint from all sides.
Calls for dialogue have also emerged from across the political spectrum.
During a national conference held by the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, participants agreed that dialogue should never be closed in a democracy.
Several leaders including those from the ruling party, also called for reconciliation at a reference event in Lahore urging tolerance and political restraint to restore stability.
PTI response and stalled talks
Dialogue between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has remained stalled despite repeated offers.
Talks initiated in late 2024 collapsed over key issues, including demands for judicial commissions to probe the May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 protests, and the release of PTI detainees.
Most recently, the party signaled a shift toward street protests after its jailed founder Imran Khan dismissed calls for dialogue and urged supporters to prepare for a protest movement.
Government sources maintain that meaningful talks are not possible without accountability over past violent incidents.
Despite this, the ruling coalition continues to say that dialogue remains the preferred path to resolve political disputes and move the country forward.
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