ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited Pakistan’s opposition parties to engage in “constructive dialogue,” saying lower political tensions would help strengthen the country’s economy and democracy.
The offer comes as the major opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), prepares for a Sept. 27 “long march” on Islamabad, demanding release of its founding chairman, Imran Khan, from prison and transfer to the hospital for treatment.
Pakistan has faced growing political polarization since Khan was removed from office in 2022. His PTI has accused the government and state institutions of conducting a sustained crackdown against the party. Authorities deny the allegations.
Speaking during a televised federal cabinet meeting, Sharif said his government had repeatedly expressed its willingness to hold talks with the opposition.
“I invite the opposition once again from this forum to sit and talk,” Sharif said. He urged political parties to resolve their differences through dialogue to strengthen Pakistan’s economic development and democracy.
Sharif said meaningful talks required participation from both sides.
“It takes two to tango,” he said, adding that the opposition must decide how quickly it can prepare for constructive dialogue.
His remarks came amid renewed tensions between the government and PTI over Khan’s health and medical treatment in prison.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered authorities to transfer Khan from Adiala Jail to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination.
The federal government and Islamabad administration subsequently filed a review petition challenging the order. They argued that the directive bypassed procedures under the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, and raised concerns about equal treatment for other prisoners.
PTI has criticised the government’s legal challenge. The party has warned that it would seek contempt proceedings if authorities failed to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital by Thursday.
Khan served as prime minister from 2018 until his removal through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022.
He has accused the opposition and Pakistan’s powerful military of colluding to remove him from office at Washington’s request. The military, the government and the opposition have denied the allegations.
Also Read: Supreme Court Objects to Review Plea on Imran Khan Hospital Order
PTI violent protests in May 2023 and November 2024 led to clashes between protesters and security forces.
The government has warned that it will take strict action against PTI leaders and supporters if the party’s planned September demonstration turns violent.
