‘Govt trying to bring PM, Achakzai to the negotiating table’

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to revive stalled political dialogue, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday said the government is actively working to bring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the opposition leader in National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai to the negotiating table. Talking to reporters, Chaudhry revealed that Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, was actively trying to orchestrate a meeting between the two political heavyweights. “The hiatus in talks is not from our side, as the prime minister has categorically told the opposition that he is ready for dialogue. It is the opposition that is shying away from talks under one pretext or another, ” he added. Emphasising the government’s flexibility, he said that the discussions could take place at the Prime Minister’s House, the NA Speaker’s Chamber, or, if the occasion demanded, even in the Leader of the Opposition’s office. “Should it be necessary to travel to the Leader of the Opposition’s chamber, the prime minister will not shy away, ” he added. The minister indicated that the government was open to consulting the opposition on matters of appointments and postings, suggesting that such dialogue could inform forthcoming decisions. He stressed that Prime Minister Sharif remained committed to resolving differences through dialogue and mutual understanding, asserting: “If the opposition wishes to provide any constructive advice to the government, our doors are wide open. ” Chaudhry, however, did not shy away from criticism, noting that the opposition had a habit of sidestepping dialogue whenever opportunities arose. He acknowledged Achakzai’s experience and stature, adding that meaningful engagement from his side would be taken seriously. Commenting on the earlier hiatus in government-opposition talks, the minister attributed the delay to Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in the Middle East. “While Pakistan was actively pursuing a ceasefire in the region, scheduling a meeting was impossible due to the leaders’ demanding timetables, ” he explained. Chaudhry reiterated that the government had remained open to talks all along and was determined to resolve political issues in the national interest. He underscored Pakistan’s internationally recognised role in easing tensions in the Middle East, noting that US President Donald Trump had personally commended Pakistan’s efforts, extending thanks to Prime Minister Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Shah for their pivotal roles. With political temperatures rising domestically, Chaudhry’s comments signal that the government is both willing and ready to pursue dialogue, leaving the ball firmly in the opposition’s court. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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