TTAP accepts PM's dialogue offer, calls for new charter for political, economic stability

تحریک تحفظِ آئین پاکستان کا اجلاس آج اتحاد کے سربراہ محمود خان اچکزئی کی زیر صدارت منعقد ہوا۔ اجلاس میں اتحاد کے وائس چئیرمین سینیٹر علامہ راجہ ناصر عباس، رہنما بی این پی (مینگل ) ساجد ترین سیکرٹری جنرل تحریک تحفظِ آئین اسد قیصر ، وائس چئیرمین مصطفی نواز کھوکھر ، ترجمان اتحاد… pic.twitter.com/ftnyRq1eMd

Under the proposed charter, the opposition is prepared to engage in dialogue on holding transparent elections, the appointment of a mutually agreed new election commissioner, parliamentary supremacy, rule of law, protection of human rights, and strengthening constitutional and democratic values.

The declaration also noted that Achakzai had responded to the speaker of the National Assembly’s invitation for talks on the floor of the house, saying, “if all political parties in Pakistan agree to the restoration of the 1973 Constitution, parliamentary and civilian supremacy, and non-interference by institutions beyond their constitutional limits, he would take responsibility for securing Imran Khan’s signature on the new charter.”

TTAP leaders also decided to form sub-committees at provincial and district levels to ensure the success of the February 8 Black Day and street mobilisation, with announcements regarding these sub-committees to be made soon.

The meeting was attended by the coalition’s Vice Chairman, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas; BNP (Mengal) leader Sajid Tarin; TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser; Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar; and coalition spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai.

Door to talks should never be shut, says Khokhar

TTAP Vice President Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar confirmed that the opposition alliance was prepared to engage in dialogue with the government, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation for talks had been taken seriously after extensive consultations among all stakeholders, including the PTI.

Speaking on a private television programme, Khokhar said, several hours of consultations were held a day earlier and discussions continued thereafter before reaching the decision. “We decided that all parties within TTAP, including the PTI, should be taken on board and consulted,” he said.

He added that PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan also held a lengthy meeting with TTAP head Mahmood Khan Achakzai earlier in the day. Following consultations with all stakeholders, Khokhar said the consensus was that given the political and economic crises facing the country, the option of dialogue must remain open. “The door to talks should never be shut,” he stressed.

Commenting on the government’s offer, the TTAP leader said the alliance was ready to engage in talks on a new charter based on principled issues, including the supremacy of the parliament and the Constitution, protection of human rights and the rule of law.

When asked whether PTI and Aleema Khan were prepared for dialogue, Khokhar said, Imran Khan had entrusted decision-making to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas and expressed full confidence in them. “After taking input from all sides, TTAP has decided that if the government wants to talk about a new charter, we are ready to engage in that dialogue,” he said.

He clarified that TTAP would not seek the release of Imran Khan or the withdrawal of cases against him during the talks. “What we want is what Imran Khan himself has demanded — judicial independence, the rule of law and a fair trial in his cases, which have no substance and will ultimately result in his release,” Khokhar said.

He said that with the country grappling with multiple crises, widespread public disillusionment and a political process that had lost its meaning, dialogue was essential to put Pakistan back on track. “In the end, solutions can only come from politicians,” he added.

Talal questions PTI’s intent

However, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday said clarity must first emerge regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s stated willingness for dialogue before any meaningful talks could move forward.

Responding to questions while speaking to a private news channel about TTAP’s readiness for negotiations, Chaudhry said he had only recently become aware of claims suggesting openness to talks. He noted that shortly before this, he had seen a report in which PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram had rejected the prime minister’s offer for dialogue.

He further recalled that two days earlier, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan had stated that anyone engaging in talks would not be considered part of them. “Their position changes every hour,” Chaudhry said, adding that the party’s actual stance would only become clear when Aleema Khan or her sister themselves came forward to speak.

The minister said that PTI founder Imran Khan had earlier appointed Mahmood Khan Achakzai to lead negotiations, but claimed that no follow-up was made thereafter.

Despite strong statements from PTI and from the sisters of the PTI founder, Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had consistently maintained that dialogue should take place, while making it clear that there would be no blackmailing.

Referring to previous initiatives, he said the government had never shut the door on talks. “In the past as well, they walked away from the negotiating table unilaterally, and even during the 26th Amendment we kept them on board,” he said.

Chaudhry added that the Speaker’s Office remained available to facilitate negotiations and that the government was ready to engage in talks. However, he said dialogue could not proceed through dictation or preconditions. “The problem is that they are not accustomed to listening to the other side or engaging through argument and dialogue,” he said.

Reiterating the prime minister’s position, Chaudhry said the government was prepared to move forward. “They should come and talk,” he added.

NDC Welcomes PM’s Dialogue Offer

The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s renewed offer for dialogue with the opposition, particularly PTI, describing it as a 'highly positive and golden opportunity' for political stability and democratic continuity.

In an official letter addressed to the prime minister, the committee said it believes 'dialogue and reconciliation are the only viable path forward' amid Pakistan’s ongoing political, economic, and institutional crises. The letter praised the government’s clear and constructive policy statement as a result of the committee’s persistent efforts.

نیشنل ڈائیلاگ کمیٹی نے وزیر اعظم شہباز شریف کی طرف سے مزاکرات کی دعوت کو خوش آئند قرار دیتے ہوئے حکومت سے درخواست کی ہے کہ کوٹ لکھپت جیل میں زیرِ حراست پی ٹی آئی کی سینئر قیادت شاہ محمود قریشی یاسمین راشد محمود الرشید اعجاز چودھری اور عمر چیمہ کو پیرول پر رہا کیا جائے تاکہ وہ… pic.twitter.com/hLWVcc9GdS

The NDC stressed that for the talks to succeed, they must begin with 'meaningful confidence-building measures'. It specifically requested the release on parole of senior PTI leaders currently detained in Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, and former Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, to enable their effective participation in the dialogue process.

The committee said, “This goodwill gesture would not only create an extremely positive, conducive, and trust-filled environment for the negotiations but would also lay a strong foundation for restoring mutual confidence among all stakeholders.”

It further appealed to all political parties to prioritise the national interest and actively engage in the process, working towards a consensus on a comprehensive Charter of Democracy and Charter of Economy. According to the NDC, these charters are essential for achieving lasting political stability and economic recovery.