A group of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif through the National Dialogue Committee, calling for the release of senior PTI leaders held in Kot Lakhpat Jail on parole.
In a letter sent to the prime minister on 23 December, the group welcomed the prospect of talks between the government and the opposition, particularly PTI.
The letter described the proposed dialogue as a “golden opportunity” in view of the country’s ongoing political, economic and institutional challenges.
The letter does not mention PTI founder Imran Khan. Instead, it stresses that senior party leaders outside Adiala Jail are better placed to initiate and sustain meaningful negotiations.
The key demand is the parole release of PTI leaders currently detained in Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed and Ejaz Chaudhry. The committee said their release would allow them to effectively lead and represent the party in the dialogue process.
The letter also states that the success of any negotiations depends on confidence-building measures. It argues that releasing the detained leaders would help create a positive environment and rebuild trust among political stakeholders.
The National Dialogue Committee has appealed to all political parties to rise above partisan interests and work towards consensus on a Charter of Democracy and a Charter of Economy, aimed at ensuring long-term political stability and economic recovery.
The letter was signed by former PTI leaders Mahmood Molvi, Imran Ismail and Fawad Chaudhry, who have formed the National Dialogue Committee to help facilitate talks between the government and PTI.
