ISLAMABAD: The National Dialogue Committee (NDC), established to foster political reconciliation and dialogue, has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to grant parole to senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders currently detained at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail to facilitate progress in ongoing negotiations.
In a formal communication addressed to the prime minister, the committee emphasized that this step is crucial to ensuring effective leadership, transparency, and meaningful results in the dialogue process.
The NDC expressed appreciation for the prime minister’s willingness to engage with the opposition, describing the initiative as a pivotal opportunity amidst the country’s prevailing political, economic, and institutional challenges.
Interestingly, the letter makes no mention of PTI’s founding leader Imran Khan. Instead, its focus is directed toward enabling senior members of the party, outside of Adiala Jail, to guide and sustain the negotiation efforts effectively.
The core demand outlined by the committee is the parole release of key PTI figures held at Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, and former senator Ijaz Chaudhry.
According to the NDC, the release of these individuals would allow them to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue process and provide much-needed leadership throughout.
The committee stressed that confidence-building measures are integral to fostering a productive negotiation climate. It argued that releasing detained leaders would cultivate mutual trust among political stakeholders, creating an environment conducive to a transparent and cooperative dialogue.
Additionally, the committee urged all political parties to prioritize national interests over personal or partisan agendas and work collectively toward achieving consensus on a Charter of Democracy and a Charter of Economy. These frameworks, it noted, are critical for ensuring long-term political stability and economic revival within the country.
The letter was signed by former PTI leaders Mahmood Maulvi, Imran Ismail, and Fawad Chaudhry, who established the dialogue committee to bridge communication gaps between the government and PTI. A copy of the letter was shared publicly by Fawad Chaudhry.
