Ex-PTI leaders push plan for political dialogue

ISLAMABAD:

A group of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, along with politicians from other parties, on Wednesday proposed a series of confidence-building measures, including the formation of high-powered negotiation teams comprising government and opposition representatives, to help lower the country's political temperature.

The proposals were outlined in a joint declaration issued by the National Dialogue Committee (NDC), an initiative launched by former PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahmood Moulvi. The NDC convened a national conference to initiate a dialogue process aimed at bringing the government and opposition to the negotiating table.

The NDC meeting was attended by senior politician and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, expelled PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat; Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) representative Liaqat Baloch and former Karachi mayor Wasim Akhtar, representing the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

However, despite the invitation, the three major political parties – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan People Party (PPP), Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin Pakistan (TTAP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – were conspicuous by their absence during the meeting.

Senior PTI leader Barrister Saif, who had served as an adviser to former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur attended the event. His attendance raised questions, as the PTI had explicitly instructed its members not to attend the NDC.

Intellectuals, journalists, lawyers, and other stakeholders associated with Pakistan's political and democratic system were present. Following its session, the NDC issued a joint declaration putting forward a series of proposals.

It called for the immediate appointment of opposition leaders in the Senate and the National Assembly, an end to media censorship, and withdrawal of cases against political figures. It said the release of political workers would help build confidence in the negotiation process and reduce political confrontation.

The declaration urged the government to form a committee, comprising President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to advance the dialogue process. Once this process begins, the NDC will consult with the opposition's senior leadership in jail and then announce the members of the opposition committee.

The declaration proposed that the government and the opposition form separate committees of their representatives to conduct negotiations. It also called for lifting restrictions on political activities, ensuring the appointment of opposition leaders in parliament, and safeguarding political freedoms.

The NDC also demanded the release of women political workers, including Bushra Bibi and Yasmin Rashid, and other detained activists. It called for an end to media censorship and urged both sides to stop using state institutions for political objectives.

The meeting expressed concern over the ongoing political unrest and the economic difficulties faced by the state and its people. The declaration also called on the government and opposition to avoid involving the armed forces in politics or spreading negative propaganda against state institutions.

The meeting paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan's armed forces, police, Rangers, and other security personnel in the fight against terrorism. Prayers were offered for the martyrs, and solidarity was expressed with their families. The participants reaffirmed national unity in safeguarding Pakistan's sovereignty, security, and the dignity of its institutions.

The participants agreed to continue national dialogue, stressing that the NDC would continue its efforts in the public and national interest.

The NDC was formed recently by a group of PTI leaders, including Fawad Chaudhry, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, and Mahmood Maulvi, all of whom held key positions during the PTI government.

The committee has positioned itself as a bridge-building forum to pull the country out of prolonged political paralysis. However, the initiative has faced resistance within the PTI.

Hardline party members have publicly distanced themselves from the NDC, with the party's central information secretary earlier disassociating the PTI from the committee's efforts. Despite this opposition, the NDC members have continued to push forward with their agenda.