ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again extended an invitation to the opposition for negotiations, highlighting the necessity of dialogue to bolster economic growth and reinforce democratic processes. During a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he underscored the government’s ongoing willingness to engage in constructive discussions with the opposition, suggesting that it is now the opposition’s responsibility to decide when to participate.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with an 18 percent increase in IT exports for July, noting the government’s push to integrate digital technology across various sectors and the importance of digitizing the governance system. He commended Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team for the introduction of the Fixed Tax Scheme for retailers and instructed the Federal Board of Revenue to avoid any harassment of retailers.

Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister for Petroleum and his team in reducing diesel prices by thirty-two rupees per liter, describing the development as positive. Addressing regional concerns, he remarked on Pakistan’s continuous efforts to ease tensions in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, stating that regional normalization is crucial for economic progress.