Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated that the government remains open to dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) but will not accept what he described as “illegal demands or blackmail.” Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he emphasized that discussions must focus strictly on legitimate issues to be productive.
“These days, PTI and its allies are talking about dialogue. I have repeatedly stated in the National Assembly that if PTI is serious about negotiations, the government is equally prepared,” the prime minister said, highlighting that political harmony among all parties is essential for national development and stability.
Meanwhile, Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, dismissed any notion of dialogue from the party’s side, asserting that leaders advocating talks were not aligned with PTI or Imran Khan. She also stated she was unaware of the communiqué issued after a two-day conference of the Pakistan Constitution Protection Movement.
The opposition alliance had earlier released a joint declaration demanding a probe into the February 24 general elections and called for dialogue with the government. Reacting to these demands, Federal Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed the government is not opposed to talks, while coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party endorsed dialogue but with clear conditions, signaling cautious engagement ahead.
