ISLAMABAD: In a bold and strategic move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his call for dialogue with opposition on Tuesday, emphasising that national stability and progress can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive discussions across the political spectrum. Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister directly addressed the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that he had personally extended multiple offers for dialogue, aiming to foster political harmony amid the growing national tensions. “I have made several personal offers to engage in dialogue with all political parties. It is vital that we work together for the development and prosperity of the country,” PM Sharif remarked. The prime minister’s remarks came on the heels of reports suggesting that PTI and its allies might be open to engaging in talks. Govt ready for political dialogue, says Rana The Prime Minister reminded the opposition of his earlier invitations, extended both publicly and within the National Assembly. “If they are ready, the government of Pakistan is definitely ready,” he declared, stressing the importance of political unity for the country’s development. However, he was firm in his stance that dialogue must not be misused for blackmailing or as a means to destabilise the nation. “Any malicious attempt to disrupt law and order will not be tolerated,” PM Sharif warned, making it clear that the government would only entertain discussions centred on legitimate concerns. This call for dialogue comes at a time when the country is grappling with severe political and economic crises, further deepening divisions between the government and opposition. The need for constructive political discourse was also highlighted during the opposition alliance TTAP’s national conference on December 21, where participants unanimously agreed that dialogue should always remain an open avenue in any democracy, even amidst discord. In addition to political discussions, the Prime Minister congratulated the Under-19 cricket team on their remarkable victory in the Under-19 Cricket Championship. “I congratulate the entire nation for this achievement, which brings immense pride to our country,” he added. However, during the meeting, several key decisions were made by the federal cabinet, which include approving an extension of the Off-Grid Power Plants Levy Act 2025, which now includes the sale of gas to captive power plants by third parties. This move aims to regulate the energy sector more effectively, ensuring greater efficiency in the distribution of energy resources. The cabinet granted in-principle approval to amendments in the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2002. These changes are designed to align Pakistan’s public procurement processes with modern global standards, streamlining procedures and promoting transparency in government contracts. In a significant legislative development, the cabinet approved the repeal of the National University for Security Sciences Islamabad 2025 Bill, which had been previously introduced to establish a new university dedicated to national security studies. The cabinet also approved the National Cannabis Control and Regulatory Policy 2025. The policy aims to regulate the production and use of cannabis for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes, particularly in the textile and medical sectors. On the recommendation of the Ministry of the Interior, the cabinet green-lit a new visa clearance system aimed at facilitating Pakistanis travelling abroad. The system is designed to provide a secure and transparent method for obtaining visas, ensuring smoother travel for Pakistan’s citizens. The cabinet ratified a series of decisions made in the meetings of the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Cases, held on October 20, November 5, and November 21, 2025, as well as, those taken in the Economic Coordination Committee meeting on December 18, 2025. Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office stated that during the special meeting of the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, the cabinet ratified the decisions made in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, regarding the privatisation of PIA. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025