ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday invited jailed former premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for dialogue, saying harmony among political forces was essential for the country’s progress, amid reports that the opposition was seeking talks with the government.

Pakistan has seen deepening political polarization between the ruling coalition led by Sharif and opposition groups coalesced around Khan’s PTI, which has alleged a sustained state crackdown since Khan’s ouster in 2022.

PTI’s top leadership, including Khan and his wife, is serving prison sentences in multiple cases ranging from corruption charges to inciting violence against state institutions and attacks on government properties.

PTI has rejected all allegations as politically motivated. It has also disputed the results of the February 2024 general election that brought Sharif to power, saying the vote was manipulated to sideline Khan and his party.

“I read it in the newspaper today that PTI and its allies are calling for a dialogue,” Sharif said while addressing a cabinet meeting. “I had invited them to the assembly, and I had invited them earlier as well.”

“If they are ready for dialogue, then the government of Pakistan is absolutely ready,” he continued. “For the sake of Pakistan’s progress and prosperity, there should be harmony among all political parties.”

Sharif, however, said talks could not proceed on the basis of what he described as “blackmailing” or unlawful demands, adding that dialogue could move forward only on legitimate issues.

He said he was reiterating his earlier invitation for talks.

A day earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told Bol TV that dialogue with the government should not be ruled out, saying political movements should be accompanied by parallel engagement.

“The opposition must be given space,” he said. “I strongly support dialogue. Whatever movement takes place, dialogue should continue alongside it. This is something we should not give up.”

His statement came only days after Khan and his wife were sentenced to 17 years in prison on charges of understating the value of state gifts before acquiring them for personal use, a ruling that PTI leaders criticized as politically driven.

The government said the verdict was delivered after due legal process and should be respected.