Pakistan’s federal government has extended a renewed offer for dialogue with opposition parties aimed at forging a national consensus on counterterrorism amid ongoing political unrest following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah announced the government’s willingness to bring all parties to the discussion table to address the country’s escalating security challenges. Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, Sanaullah appealed to opposition leaders to set aside political differences and back a unified approach to fighting terrorism. He emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remained open to holding talks if the opposition agreed to engage.

Separately, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry reiterated the government’s invitation, underscoring the need for consensus on national security matters. Addressing reporters, Chaudhry stressed that combating terrorism requires cooperation among the provincial administration, federal agencies, the military, and other security bodies, particularly in KP. He questioned why such cooperation remained elusive, urging all political factions to prioritize the security of the country above their divergent political agendas.

The calls for dialogue come amid heightened tensions in KP, where emergency rule was recently imposed amid concerns over law and order and the threat of terrorism. The federal government maintains that collaborative efforts across political lines and security institutions are essential to effectively counter militant activities in the region.

Opposition parties have yet to formally respond to the government’s overtures, and it remains unclear whether a consensus on counterterrorism will materialize in the current politically charged environment. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in balancing governance, political contention, and security priorities.