PM Shehbaz invites opposition to dialogue ‘to strengthen economy, democracy’

PM Shehbaz invites opposition to dialogue 'to strengthen economy, democracy'.

Key points

• Diesel gets massive Rs32.63 cut as petrol cost rises Rs2.97 per litre.
• Oil gains on Middle East supply reservations against the backdrop of impasse in US-Iran war.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the opposition for dialogue to bolster Pakistan's economy and democracy, additionally noting reduced diesel costs and positive economic developments like IT export expansion.
• The premier remarked the administration was working to digitize all departments and expressed the hope that Google's presence in Pakistan would further backing these efforts.
• "The region is passing through a difficult time, and Pakistan, being a net importer of energy, is specifically affected by the situation, " he remarked.

Notes it's now up to opposition to decide how shortly it is ready for constructive engagement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the opposition for dialogue to bolster Pakistan's economy and democracy, additionally noting reduced diesel costs and positive economic developments like IT export expansion. Prime Minister's call for dialogue with the opposition. Diesel cost reduction despite global supply disruptions. Positive economic developments and IT sector expansion. Add BRecorder as a trusted source on Google.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday once again invited the opposition to sit with the administration for constructive dialogue, saying that political matters should be resolved through negotiations to further strengthen Pakistan's economy and democracy.

Chairing a session of the federal cabinet in Islamabad, the prime minister stated the administration had always been ready for dialogue and he had repeatedly expressed this position on the floor of the National Assembly as well as 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 remarked, adding that it was now up to the opposition to decide how shortly it was ready for constructive engagement.

PM Shehbaz additionally welcomed the reduction of Rs32 per litre in the rate of diesel, and noted the achievement was particularly significant in view of the challenging situation prevailing in the Gulf region and disruptions to global oil supplies.

He appreciated the efforts of the ministry of petroleum and its team in securing the reduction, noting that Pakistan was a net energy importer and was therefore particularly vulnerable to disruptions in international energy supplies.

While a number of refineries and gas plants in different countries had been closed, referring to the prevailing situation in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz, he remarked oil supplies had been severely disrupted.

While the provinces had subsequently additionally contributed towards efforts to provide relief, the prime minister recalled that after the outbreak of the conflict, the federal administration had arranged Rs128 billion to support control oil costs.

He expressed hope that the regional situation would improve in the coming weeks and remarked Pakistan would continue playing its role in efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring stability.

In practice, the prime minister additionally highlighted recent positive developments in the economy, saying the government's measures were gradually producing results and needed to be sustained so that economic conditions could return to normal.

Referring to the launch of an application for retailers, he remarked the initiative was done in consultation with the trading community. He directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) not to unnecessarily inconvenience traders, noting that the business community had reached consensus on the matter.

Shehbaz additionally congratulated the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications and its team on an 18 per cent rise in IT exports in July 2026, saying the expansion was a positive development for the country's digital economy.

He further welcomed the establishment of a Google office in Pakistan, saying the presence of the global technology firm would contribute to the country's digital transformation.

For context, the premier remarked the administration was working to digitize all departments and expressed the hope that Google's presence in Pakistan would further backing these efforts. Trump warns of economic consequences for any country that supports Iran. Pakistan expects up to $100mn under first DPR programme.

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Taken together, the developments around PM Shehbaz invites opposition to dialogue 'to strengthen economy, democracy' point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.