The opposition’s readiness to engage in talks on the prime minister’s invitation has revived the National Dialogue Committee, triggering fresh efforts to lower political temperatures and address Pakistan’s ongoing political and economic challenges.
The National Dialogue Committee, headed by Fawad Chaudhry, has been reactivated following the opposition’s agreement to negotiations. The committee has decided to contact top government figures and political leaders to move the dialogue process forward.
Officials confirmed that the renewed initiative aims to restore harmony through inclusive engagement.
Meetings planned with top leadership
According to the plan, the committee will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Fawad Chaudhry has formally sought time to meet the PM. Efforts are also underway to contact the Presidency to arrange a meeting with the president.
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A key focus of the committee’s outreach will be persuading political leaders to facilitate the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail. Fawad Chaudhry said negotiations would only be meaningful if these leaders are able to participate.
He added that immediate efforts are being made to secure their release so they can become part of the dialogue process.
Wider political outreach planned
The committee will also hold meetings with Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, and Pir Pagara. These engagements are aimed at building broader political consensus.
Fawad Chaudhry said all major stakeholders would be approached to ensure inclusivity.
Speaking to Samaa TV via telephone, Fawad Chaudhry said the movement had achieved “incredible success” over the past three weeks. He stressed that the committee would meet everyone to reduce political tension and foster an atmosphere of harmony.
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He noted that there is now a growing realization across the political spectrum that dialogue is essential.
‘No option but dialogue,’ says Fawad
According to the former minister, everyone wants talks to pull the country out of its political and economic crises. He emphasized that both the opposition and the government have no viable alternative to dialogue.
He expressed optimism that negotiations would succeed once imprisoned PTI leaders are included in the process.
A day ago, the National Dialogue Committee welcomed Prime Minister Sharif’s offer to hold talks with the PTI, urging the release of imprisoned senior PTI leaders to create a positive environment for meaningful dialogue. In a letter addressed to the premier, the NDC -- comprising Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, and Mahmood Maulvi -- appreciated the government’s renewed offer of dialogue with the opposition.
The committee emphasized that successful and sustainable negotiations require confidence-building measures.
Meanwhile, the same day, the PTI rejected Shehbaz Sharif’s renewed offer for holding the negotiations.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said the party would not take part in any form of dialogue with the government, terming the prime minister’s offer as 'contradictory'. He said that if the prime minister could not facilitate a meeting between PTI founder Imran Khan and Sohail Afridi, there was no basis for talks.
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He added that Imran Khan has delegated the authority for negotiations to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas.
At the same time, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan has expressed its readiness to engage in negotiations with the government.
Following Prime Minister Sharif’s offer for dialogue, an important meeting of the opposition alliance was held on Wednesday, during which it was agreed to enter into talks with the government.
According to a spokesperson, the alliance is prepared to hold negotiations aimed at strengthening constitutional and democratic values. He said they are ready to discuss key issues, including transparent elections, the appointment of a consensus Election Commissioner, and the supremacy of law.
