Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that the federal government is prepared to engage in negotiations with the opposition, emphasizing that cooperation requires mutual willingness. Speaking at the federal cabinet meeting, he stated that the decision now rests with the opposition regarding when to initiate talks.
“We are open to meaningful dialogue,” the prime minister declared, extending an invitation to opposition parties to resolve outstanding issues through discussion. He highlighted that constructive engagement could reinforce the nation’s democratic framework and bolster economic progress.
This renewed offer comes despite earlier unsuccessful attempts to reach an agreement with the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The timing follows a significant Supreme Court ruling directing Adiala jail authorities to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the former ruling party.
Imran Khan, aged 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023 after convictions his party claims are politically motivated. Since his removal from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote, he has faced numerous legal challenges.
The court’s decision has opened a potential pathway for renewed political dialogue, with recent comments from senior leaders on both sides suggesting a readiness to ease tensions and restart stalled negotiations. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan welcomed the Supreme Court’s directive and expressed optimism that adherence to judicial orders could help lower the political temperature.
Gohar urged the government to prioritize dialogue over actions that might deepen political rifts, emphasizing the importance of resolving differences through conversation and cautioning leaders against inflammatory rhetoric.
Meanwhile, the federal cabinet, chaired by PM Shehbaz, approved the draft Defence Forces Act 2026 along with amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010. These legislative changes follow constitutional revisions introduced by the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The Defence Forces Act 2026 aims to establish the legal and administrative framework for the office of the Chief of Defence Forces and the associated headquarters. The cabinet’s approval means the draft will now be submitted to parliament for consideration during the current session.
Similarly, amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010, necessitated by the 27th Amendment, will also be presented to parliament for approval. The 27th Constitutional Amendment, passed in November last year, brought significant changes to the country’s defence and judicial structures.
