Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has given a formal go-ahead for negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), signalling a possible opening for political dialogue. Sources say the prime minister has authorised National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to lead the talks on behalf of the government.
According to government sources, a delegation is ready to participate whenever the Speaker convenes discussions. However, it has been clarified that negotiations will only be held with PTI’s elected representatives, and there will be no engagement with non-elected party members.
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Sources from the Speaker’s office said that no PTI leader has yet made formal contact to initiate talks. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has nonetheless kept the parliamentary committee intact and reiterated that he is ready to convene a meeting immediately if the opposition expresses willingness.
Parliamentary insiders noted that despite repeated signals from the Speaker, the opposition has so far remained unresponsive. The Speaker has invited PTI leaders to visit his chamber to explore the possibility of dialogue and ease political tensions through parliamentary channels.
The last formal interaction between PTI and the Speaker reportedly took place during consultations on appointing Mahmood Achakzai as opposition leader. Since then, no progress has been made toward broader talks between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs and Senator Rana Sanaullah Khan reiterated the government’s readiness for dialogue. Speaking on a private television programme, he said political negotiations fall solely within the domain of political parties and not the military.
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Rana Sanaullah said the government remains committed to advancing democracy through dialogue but stressed that it depends on PTI’s willingness to engage. He claimed PTI’s leadership prefers street agitation over talks, adding that proposed protest plans would fail to gain public support.