Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that the government is ready to hold dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stressing that political harmony is essential for the country’s progress and prosperity.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Monday, the prime minister said he has repeatedly extended an offer for talks and remains open to dialogue if PTI is willing to engage constructively.
“Political harmony among all parties is vital for Pakistan’s development,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that meaningful discussions should be based on legitimate and constitutional matters.
However, he made it clear that blackmailing, pressure tactics, or unlawful actions would not be tolerated under the guise of dialogue. “Dialogue must take place within the framework of the law,” he emphasised.
PIA privatisation and Saudi honour
The prime minister also expressed confidence that the successful bidding of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) would help advance the government’s privatisation agenda.
He said the PIA privatisation would be the largest transaction in Pakistan’s history, adding that the entire process had been conducted in a transparent manner.
PM Shehbaz further stated that the conferment of a Saudi award on Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was an honour not just for the individual but for the entire nation.
PTI must apologise before talks: Atta Tarar
Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said dialogue is necessary for political stability but insisted that PTI must first apologise to the nation for what he described as actions that harmed Pakistan’s image internationally.
Speaking on ARY News programme Aiteraz Hai, Tarar accused PTI of running propaganda campaigns against the Pakistan Army and the Field Marshal, claiming that such narratives were amplified through social media accounts allegedly operated from the UK and the United States.
He urged PTI leadership to publicly distance itself from these platforms as a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue.
