Islamabad, August 20, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited the opposition to enter into “meaningful dialogue”, saying the federal government was ready to negotiate and resolve political differences through talks.
Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said it was now up to the opposition to decide when it wanted to come to the negotiating table.
“We are ready for meaningful dialogue. For this, I am inviting the opposition from this forum for talks to resolve all matters via dialogue,” PM Shehbaz said.
He added that constructive political engagement could strengthen democracy and contribute to the country’s economic development.
The prime minister’s offer comes despite previous rounds of negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) failing to produce a breakthrough. “It takes two to tango,” Shehbaz remarked, indicating that meaningful negotiations required participation from both sides.
The renewed offer follows a recent Supreme Court order directing authorities to shift incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
The development has potentially created an opening for renewed political engagement, with senior figures from both the government and opposition recently calling for a reduction in political tensions.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan welcomed the Supreme Court ruling and expressed hope that implementation of judicial orders would help lower the political temperature.
Gohar called for political differences to be resolved through dialogue and urged political leaders to avoid statements that could further intensify tensions.
“Measures should be taken to resolve political differences through dialogue,” he said.
Imran Khan, 73, has remained incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions that he and his party describe as politically motivated. Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, he has faced multiple legal cases.
Cabinet approves defence legislation
During the same meeting, the federal cabinet approved the draft Defence Forces Act, 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, following constitutional changes introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The cabinet approved the Defence Forces Act, 2026, which seeks to establish the necessary legal and administrative framework for the office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the draft legislation will now be presented before parliament for consideration and approval during its ongoing session.
The cabinet also approved amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, which the government said were necessary to bring the law into conformity with the constitutional and institutional changes introduced through the 27th Amendment.
The move comes as the government seeks to formalise the country’s revised higher defence command structure through legislation following the constitutional changes.
