​The Pakistani government has enlisted Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to initiate dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concerning national security matters. This decision follows Bilawal’s advocacy for a united political approach to counter escalating security challenges.​

Rana Sanaullah, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advisor and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, expressed the administration’s openness to reconvening the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) if PTI agrees to participate. He stated, “Bilawal Bhutto is already part of the government. If he successfully mediates between PTI and the government and the negotiations yield positive results, it will be a significant success for us.”​

Although Bilawal’s PPP supports the PML-N-led government and occupies treasury benches, he has consistently clarified that his party is not part of the federal cabinet. His recent calls for a collective political stance against terrorism highlight concerns over the absence of key political entities, notably PTI, from high-level security discussions.​

Addressing PPP members at the Punjab Governor’s House, Bilawal urged the prime minister to reconvene the PCNS with comprehensive political representation. He emphasized that Pakistan’s security challenges necessitate a unified response, criticizing opposition parties for prioritizing political disputes over national security.​

Directly addressing Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, Bilawal encouraged PTI to set aside internal disagreements and focus on pressing national issues, including terrorism, economic instability, and governance challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He stressed that national security should not be contingent upon PTI’s demand for the release of its leader, Imran Khan, warning that internal divisions could be exploited by external forces.​

Positioning the PPP as a mediator between the government and the opposition, Bilawal asserted that his party’s unique stance allows it to facilitate dialogue and address key national challenges.​

On March 18, the PCNS approved a unanimous declaration reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in all forms and vowing decisive action against elements threatening national stability. The session, attended by top civil and military leaders, was boycotted by PTI and other opposition parties.​

During the in-camera session, military leaders provided a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting covered ongoing counterterrorism operations, recent threats, and the state’s comprehensive strategy to ensure internal security.​

The decision to involve Bilawal in engaging PTI underscores the government’s recognition of the need for a unified political approach to address Pakistan’s security challenges.