Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended another olive branch to the opposition on December 23, 2025, during a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, stating the government is fully ready for talks if the other side is, but only on legitimate issues without any blackmailing. He referenced recent reports of PTI and allies discussing dialogue, recalling his multiple prior invitations, including in the National Assembly. Harmony among political forces, he stressed, remains essential for national progress amid ongoing challenges.
Key Highlights
- PM Shehbaz said: “If they are ready, the government of Pakistan is definitely ready” for dialogue.
- Emphasized no blackmailing; talks must focus on “legitimate matters.”
- Opposition alliance TTAP, on December 21, agreed dialogue door should never close in democracy.
- Calls for new Charter of Democracy and restraint echoed at a Lahore reference event.
- Past efforts: Brief talks in late 2024 stalled over judicial commissions and prisoner releases; offers repeated in February, August, November, and December 2025.
Renewed Call Amid Political Tensions
The prime minister noted news of opposition figures, particularly from PTI, signaling openness to talks. Yet he cautioned against using dialogue as leverage — a firm stance as Pakistan navigates economic and political hurdles.
“آج کل پی ٹی آئی اور ان کے ساتھی ڈائیلاگ کی بات کر رہے ہیں۔ میں تو اسمبلی میں بارہا کہہ چکا ہوں کہ اگر پی ٹی آئی سنجیدہ مذاکرات کے لیے تیار ہے تو حکومتِ پاکستان بھی مذاکرات کے لیے تیار ہے۔ لیکن غیر قانونی مطالبات اور بلیک میلنگ کے ساتھ بات نہیں ہو سکتی۔ جو جائز معاملات ہیں، صرف… pic.twitter.com/rPHSGkRGED
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 23, 2025
Recent days saw a broader consensus. At the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan conference, participants pushed for sustained dialogue and a fresh political charter. Separately in Lahore, leaders like Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Adviser Rana Sanaullah advocated tolerance, mutual respect, and negotiations for stability.
History of Dialogue Efforts
Efforts have ebbed and flowed. Late 2024 saw initial contacts to ease tensions but broke down on key demands, including probes into May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, events, plus PTI detainees.
Offers resurfaced repeatedly — Speaker Ayaz Sadiq facilitating in February and November, government ministers in August and December. PTI responses varied, often citing crackdowns or questioning authority.
Sanaullah recently noted the opposition’s reluctance, while hinting some prefer other channels.
This reiterated commitment to dialogue reflects a mature approach, prioritizing unity and democratic norms to steer Pakistan toward prosperity and calm.
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