Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday once again invited the opposition to engage in constructive dialogue, saying political differences should be resolved through talks to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and democratic system.

Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, Shehbaz said his government had always remained ready for dialogue and that he had repeatedly expressed this position in the National Assembly and before the cabinet.

“I once again invite the opposition to come and sit together. Matters should be resolved through dialogue so that Pakistan’s economy and democracy can be further strengthened,” he said.

The prime minister left the timing of the engagement to the opposition, saying it was now up to its leadership to decide how soon it was ready for constructive talks.

The latest offer comes amid renewed political activity between opposition parties. A day earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan leader and Senate Opposition Leader Mahmood Achakzai at Parliament House. The meeting focused on coordination over upcoming legislation, electoral reforms and appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Achakzai said his alliance was prepared to act as a bridge between the PPP and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The government’s latest call for dialogue also follows a recent Supreme Court order concerning incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. The court directed the federal government to shift Khan to a private hospital, prompting government ministers to object and file a review petition.

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Diesel price cut welcomed

Shehbaz also welcomed a Rs32-per-litre reduction in diesel prices, describing it as particularly significant amid disruptions to global energy supplies and instability in the Gulf region.

He said Pakistan remained a net energy importer and was therefore highly vulnerable to disruptions in international oil and gas supplies.

The prime minister said the federal government had arranged Rs128 billion after the outbreak of the regional conflict to help control oil prices, while provincial governments later contributed to relief efforts.

He expressed hope that the regional situation would improve in the coming weeks and said Pakistan would continue efforts to reduce tensions and promote stability.

Government highlights economic gains

Shehbaz said recent economic developments showed that government measures were gradually producing results. He stressed that the reforms needed to continue to bring economic conditions back to normal.

He also welcomed the launch of a new application for retailers, saying the initiative had been developed in consultation with the trading community. He directed the Federal Board of Revenue not to unnecessarily inconvenience traders, noting that the business community had reached a consensus on the issue.

The prime minister also highlighted an 18% increase in Pakistan’s IT exports in July 2026, calling the growth encouraging for the country’s digital economy.

He congratulated the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications for the progress and welcomed the establishment of a Google office in Pakistan.

Shehbaz said the government was working to digitise public-sector departments and expressed hope that Google’s presence would support Pakistan’s broader digital transformation.