Govt offers dialogue as PTI protests GB polls in NA

Protests erupted in Pakistan's National Assembly as PTI lawmakers staged a demonstration against alleged rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections. The government, meanwhile, extended an offer for dialogue on national issues, urging the opposition to help create an "enabling environment" for talks.

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I invited you on behalf of the government to come and sit together with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to have consultations on national issues.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, addressing the assembly, invited opposition members to sit with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consultations. He reiterated the Prime Minister's earlier offer for dialogue, emphasizing the need for a conducive atmosphere. Tarar also addressed the opposition's demand for meetings between the incarcerated PTI founder, Imran Khan, and his family and party leaders, stating that the constitution does not permit convicts to lead parties or participate in politics.

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The opposition needed to create an “enabling environment” to address such issues.

Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai voiced strong criticism of the government's performance, accusing it of failing to manage the country. He highlighted the opposition's return to parliament after a boycott, at the government's request, to demonstrate unity before a Chinese delegation. However, Achakzai lamented that Imran Khan was still denied meetings with his family, friends, lawyers, and doctors. He also pointed to ongoing unrest in Balochistan, Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to alleged excesses by security forces.

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The Constitution did not allow convicts to run parties, distribute tickets for legislative assemblies, and take part in politics.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan echoed concerns about the government's fiscal policies, suggesting that provinces were being asked to collect more taxes due to the Centre's failures. The assembly also passed two bills: 'The Inter-Boards Coordination Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025' and 'The Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions (Registration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026'. Additionally, several committee reports were presented.

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However, Imran Khan was still not allowed to meet his family, friends, lawyers, and doctors.