ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that the government remains open to dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stressing that political harmony is essential for the country’s development and stability. Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet on Monday, the prime minister said national progress requires cooperation among all political forces.
He recalled that he has repeatedly extended an offer for talks and reaffirmed that the government is ready to engage if PTI is willing. However, he made it clear that dialogue cannot take place under pressure, blackmail or unlawful actions, emphasizing that discussions must remain within constitutional and legal boundaries.
During the meeting, the prime minister also expressed confidence that the successful bidding process of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) would help advance the government’s privatisation agenda. He described the PIA privatisation as the largest transaction in the country’s history and said the process had been conducted in a transparent manner.
Shehbaz Sharif further stated that the conferment of a Saudi award on Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces General Syed Asim Munir was a matter of pride for the entire nation.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said political dialogue is important for stability but maintained that PTI should first apologise to the nation for actions that, according to him, harmed Pakistan’s global image. He also urged the party to distance itself from propaganda campaigns against state institutions.
