NDC stresses govt-opposition talks, media freedom to ensure political stability

Politicians, civil society urge restoration of political activities, release of political workers, including females

The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) has called for immediate and comprehensive negotiations between the government and opposition in order to address Pakistan’s worsening political and economic situation.

According to the declaration issued after the committee’s conference held in Islamabad, the forum recommended that President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lead negotiations on behalf of the government, while the opposition forms its own committee to initiate a structured dialogue process.

The declaration stated that political activities must be fully restored within the constitutional and legal framework and all restrictions on political engagement should be lifted. It emphasised that democracy cannot function without a strong opposition and urged immediate appointment of opposition leaders in both the Senate and National Assembly.

The committee further stressed that both government and opposition must refrain from using the armed forces for political purposes or engaging in negative propaganda against state institutions.

National Dialogue Committee Concludes as Follows!! #IslamabadDeclaration pic.twitter.com/NZbQ0TnWxI

— National Dialogue Committee (@NDCOfficialACC) January 7, 2026

The participants strongly demanded immediate release of all detained female political workers, including Bushra Bibi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, and called for the provision of proper medical treatment to them. It also urged the withdrawal of cases against political workers and the release of all political prisoners.

They further demanded an end to media censorship and the removal of restrictions on television anchors, reaffirming that freedom of the press is essential for a healthy democracy. The forum expressed grave concern over the country’s deteriorating political, economic and security conditions and underlined the urgent need for political unity and national consensus.

It paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism and offered prayers for the martyrs. The declaration reaffirmed that the entire nation stands united for Pakistan’s sovereignty, defence, security and the dignity of its institutions.

The NDC also proposed a detailed roadmap for restoring political stability. It called for ending unconstitutional practices, ensuring complete political freedom, holding transparent elections, respecting public mandate, strengthening institutions, ending corruption and enforcing accountability.

It urged the government and opposition to resolve differences through dialogue rather than confrontation and warned that political polarisation was inflicting serious damage on national unity and governance.

The conference concluded that sustainable political stability can only be achieved through continuous dialogue and consensus-building. It resolved that the National Dialogue Committee would continue playing its role in facilitating negotiations at the national level in the supreme interest of the country and its people.

Convened by former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, it was attended by political figures, legal experts, journalists and civil society representatives. However, no representatives from PTI and Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan attended the gathering, drawing criticism from participants who expressed disappointment and stressed that both parties should have joined the dialogue.