By Iftikhar Mashwani
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited opposition parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve outstanding political issues, reiterating that the government remained open to constructive talks.
Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said the government had consistently preferred dialogue over confrontation and was ready to engage with the opposition in a purposeful manner to address differences.
Highlighting the government’s economic relief measures, Shehbaz said reducing the financial burden on ordinary citizens remained a top priority amid challenging economic conditions and the impact of global developments on Pakistan.
He welcomed the significant reduction in high-speed diesel prices and appreciated the efforts of the petroleum authorities. He noted that Pakistan, as an energy-importing country, remained vulnerable to fluctuations in international energy markets.
The prime minister also referred to growing international business engagement with Pakistan, saying a Google delegation was visiting the country and that he had held discussions with its representatives.
During the meeting, the federal cabinet approved drafts of the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the proposed Defence Forces Act was prepared as part of legislative changes following the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The prime minister’s offer of dialogue comes amid renewed political activity among opposition parties and calls for greater parliamentary engagement.
Separately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for strengthening Parliament and making its standing committees fully functional. He urged opposition parties to return to parliamentary committees and participate in the reform process, particularly electoral reforms.
Bilawal said concerns over the electoral process were being raised not only by opposition parties but also by government allies and ministers, underscoring the need for political stakeholders to address the issues through Parliament.
