Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his offer for talks with the opposition on Tuesday, emphasizing that dialogue between the two sides could only proceed on legitimate matters. The proposition by the premier was made during a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, where he referred to news reports of the opposition PTI and its “companions talking about dialogue“. He recalled that he had previously invited the opposition for talks on multiple occasions, including in the assembly.
“If they are ready for this, the Government of Pakistan is definitely ready,” he said, adding that harmony among all political parties was necessary for the progress and prosperity of the country. However, he continued, there should be no “blackmailing” under the guise of talks and dialogue could only move forward “in light of legitimate matters”.