Empty overtures

Dawn notes that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated an invitation to the opposition for talks, saying it takes two to tango and urging them to act quickly to support Pakistan's economic progress and strengthen democracy. Pakistan's parliament consists of the Senate and the National Assembly. Yet earlier meetings between government advisers and opposition leaders produced little movement, with disputes over the chief election commissioner and lingering bitterness over the handling of a Supreme Court order concerning former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party has begun courting the opposition, while the Jamiat Ulema‑i‑Islam‑F signals a joint challenge, and even factions within the PML‑N appear divided. As Dawn concludes, there is currently no clear path to a national dialogue, though talks remain the preferred route for all political stakeholders.

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