Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday renewed his offer of talks with the opposition, saying that the government was ready for “meaningful” negotiations to resolve political differences and strengthen democracy.
Addressing a televised federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, Shehbaz urged the opposition to decide when it was prepared to engage in dialogue.
“We are ready for meaningful dialogue. For this, I am inviting the opposition from this forum for talks to resolve all matters via dialogue,” the prime minister said.
He pointed out that constructive engagement would support economic progress and democratic stability, adding: “But it takes two to tango. Now it’s on them how soon they agree to constructive dialogue.”
The latest offer comes days after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the Senate that the government’s offer remained open.
He urged the opposition to demonstrate seriousness and agree on a time and venue for negotiations.
Earlier, Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar met National Assembly opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.
According to a statement from the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, the meeting covered the appointment of the chief election commissioner, the political situation and other matters. The two sides agreed to continue their meetings.
Chaudhry later said Achakzai had written to the prime minister seeking a “constitutional consultative meeting” and expected a response within two days.
The renewed push for dialogue follows a Supreme Court order directing Adiala jail authorities to transfer incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan welcomed the ruling and called for political differences to be addressed through dialogue.
