Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated his government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the opposition, stressing that talks could move forward only on legitimate and constructive matters. He made the remarks while chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad.
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Referring to reports of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its allies discussing dialogue, the prime minister recalled that he had repeatedly invited opposition parties for talks in the past, including on the floor of parliament. He said political harmony was essential for national progress and stability.
“آج کل پی ٹی آئی اور ان کے ساتھی ڈائیلاگ کی بات کر رہے ہیں۔ میں تو اسمبلی میں بارہا کہہ چکا ہوں کہ اگر پی ٹی آئی سنجیدہ مذاکرات کے لیے تیار ہے تو حکومتِ پاکستان بھی مذاکرات کے لیے تیار ہے۔ لیکن غیر قانونی مطالبات اور بلیک میلنگ کے ساتھ بات نہیں ہو سکتی۔ جو جائز معاملات ہیں، صرف… pic.twitter.com/rPHSGkRGED
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 23, 2025
“If they are ready, the government of Pakistan is definitely ready,” the prime minister said. However, he cautioned that dialogue should not be used as a tool for pressure or blackmail and must remain focused on lawful and democratic concerns.
The issue of government-opposition talks has gained renewed attention as Pakistan continues to grapple with political uncertainty and economic challenges. Opposition parties have also acknowledged the importance of keeping dialogue open within a democratic system.
During a national conference held by the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan earlier this week, participants agreed that dialogue should never be abandoned. They also called for a new Charter of Democracy to address the country’s ongoing crisis.
Calls for reconciliation were echoed at a political gathering in Lahore, where leaders from across the political spectrum urged restraint and cooperation. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasised tolerance and dialogue, while PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah linked political stability to sustained engagement.
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Despite repeated offers, previous attempts at dialogue between the government and the PTI have stalled over key disputes, including judicial probes into protests and the release of party workers. While the government maintains that talks remain an option, the opposition has questioned the sincerity and authority behind such initiatives.