PM Shehbaz Says Government Ready for Talks if PTI Comes Forward for Genuine Negotiations

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the government is fully prepared to take all possible steps for the country’s development and prosperity and is also open to negotiations with political parties, provided Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) comes forward for serious and legitimate talks.

Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister made it clear that dialogue cannot be used as a tool for blackmail. He said the government has consistently extended an invitation for negotiations in the national interest, including from the floor of the National Assembly.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that it was the day of Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) privatization, calling it a significant milestone. He praised the efforts of the deputy prime minister, the defence minister, and the finance minister, stating that the cabinet members and relevant authorities had worked with great dedication on the process. He informed the cabinet that sealed bids for PIA’s privatization had been received and that the bidding process was being broadcast live for the first time in Pakistan’s history.

تحریک انصاف اور ان کے ساتھی ڈائیلاگ کی بات کر رہے ہیں، میں نے اس سے پہلے بھی متعدد بار بات چیت کی دعوت دی ہے۔ اگر وہ اس پر تیار ہیں تو حکومتِ پاکستان اب بھی تیار ہے، لیکن اس کی آڑ میں بلیک میلنگ نہیں ہو سکتی، البتہ جائز معاملات پر بات آگے بڑھ سکتی ہے! شہباز شریف pic.twitter.com/G2SE2SKq8Z

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The prime minister said the transparent bidding process would help improve matters and ensure that the privatization of the national flag carrier is carried out strictly in accordance with established rules. He added that the objective is to revive PIA and achieve long-term financial stability.

He also congratulated the national Under-19 cricket team on its impressive performance in the Asia Cup, saying such displays of talent and teamwork revived memories of Pakistan’s golden sporting days.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further announced that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has been awarded the King Abdulaziz Award, describing the honor as a matter of pride for the entire Pakistani nation.

Referring again to the political situation, the prime minister said that the PTI founder and his associates were talking about negotiations, and reiterated that the government remains ready for dialogue aimed at national progress and stability.