ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday invited jailed former premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for dialogue, saying harmony among political forces was essential for the country’s progress, amid reports that the opposition was seeking talks with the government.
Pakistan has seen deepening political polarization between the ruling coalition led by Sharif and opposition groups coalesced around Khan’s PTI, which has alleged a sustained state crackdown since Khan’s ouster in 2022.
PTI’s top leadership, including Khan and his wife, is serving prison sentences in multiple cases ranging from corruption charges to inciting violence against state institutions and attacks on government properties.
PTI has rejected all allegations as politically motivated. It has also disputed the results of the February 2024 general election that brought Sharif to power, saying the vote was manipulated to sideline Khan and his party.
“I read it in the newspaper today that PTI and its allies are calling for a dialogue,” Sharif said while addressing a cabinet meeting. “I had invited them to the assembly, and I had invited them earlier as well.”
