Political tensions to ease as govt, opposition negotiation committees proposed

ISLAMABAD: The National Dialogue Committee has taken a significant step toward easing political tensions in the country by proposing the formation of government and opposition negotiation committees.

The move, endorsed in consultation with President Asif Zardari, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to strengthen dialogue between political parties and foster a more cooperative environment.

The first session of the committee, held in Islamabad, brought together former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Jamat-e-Islami’s Liaquat Baloch, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat, Fawad Chaudhry, Barrister Saif, Imran Ismail, and Shehzad Wasim. Leaders, lawyers, and intellectuals, including representatives from JI and MQM, discussed procedures for negotiations and strategies to reduce political friction.

The committee emphasised the role of political prisoners in the dialogue process and called for the immediate appointment of opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate. It also recommended the release of political workers to increase public confidence in government negotiations, lifting media restrictions, and withdrawing cases against political figures.

The National Dialogue Committee confirmed that the dialogue process will continue, with the next meeting scheduled in Multan to further strengthen political engagement.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has distanced itself from the National Dialogue Committee, warning its leaders and workers to stay cautious of individuals involved in the initiative. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said some of these individuals had abandoned the party during critical times and later joined other political groups, acquiring official positions.

With the formation of these committees, the National Dialogue Committee hopes to create a more constructive platform for government-opposition talks, aiming to ease political tensions and restore public trust.

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