Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif offers talks with Imran Khan’s PTI to ease political tension

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered dialogue to the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) in an attempt to reduce growing political tension in the country. This offer came just days after former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were each sentenced to 17 years in prison in a corruption case.

Shehbaz Sharif made the statement while chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad. During the meeting, he referred to recent comments made by PTI leaders and other opposition figures who have spoken about the need for talks. Sharif said that if the opposition is serious about negotiations, then the government is also ready to engage.

He reminded that he has repeatedly expressed this position earlier as well, including during sessions of the National Assembly. According to Sharif, dialogue is possible only if it is based on seriousness and sincerity from both sides. He said the country needs political stability, especially at a time when Pakistan is facing economic and social challenges.

The Prime Minister stressed that political disagreements should be resolved through discussion instead of confrontation. He said that ongoing political conflict harms the country’s progress and creates uncertainty for citizens, investors, and institutions.

Conditions for dialogue and political background

While offering talks, Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that negotiations must focus only on “legitimate issues”. He said dialogue should not involve pressure tactics, threats, or what he described as political blackmail. According to him, healthy political discussion is necessary for democracy, but it should take place within legal and constitutional limits.

Sharif also highlighted the importance of political harmony among all parties. He said that unity and cooperation are essential for Pakistan’s development, economic recovery, and overall stability. Without cooperation, he warned, the country could face long-term difficulties.

His statement came after the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) said it was open to talks with the government. PTI is a key member of this alliance. Although there has been discussion in political circles about possible talks between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PTI, no formal process has begun yet.

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This is not the first time talks between the government and PTI have been discussed. In December last year, informal discussions took place between representatives of both sides. However, those talks later collapsed. The main reasons for the breakdown were PTI’s demands for the formation of judicial commissions to investigate the May 9, 2023 protests and the November 26, 2024 demonstrations. PTI also demanded the release of its leaders and workers who were arrested during these protests.

The government did not accept these demands, leading to the collapse of negotiations. Since then, relations between the two sides have remained tense, with both camps blaming each other for the political deadlock.

The situation became more serious after Imran Khan’s latest conviction. Following the court verdict, PTI leaders strongly criticised the government and judiciary. Khan himself had called for nationwide protests to oppose the verdict and what he described as political injustice. His supporters were expected to come out on the streets, raising fears of unrest.

However, the Prime Minister’s dialogue offer came before any large-scale protests took place. Political observers believe this could be an attempt by the government to prevent further instability and maintain law and order.

Imran Khan has been in prison for more than two years. He was arrested in August 2023 and has faced multiple legal cases since he was removed from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion. The most recent verdict relates to the Toshakhana-II corruption case, in which both Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years each.

The case has added another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s already tense political situation. PTI leaders claim the cases are politically motivated, while the government maintains that the law is taking its course.

As Pakistan continues to deal with political division, economic pressure, and public dissatisfaction, many believe that dialogue between major political forces is necessary. Whether the offer made by Shehbaz Sharif will lead to meaningful talks remains uncertain. For now, the country waits to see if both sides are willing to move past confrontation and sit at the table for the sake of stability and democracy.