Release of jailed PTI leaders demanded to create “positive environment”

National Dialogue Committee Welcomes Offer of Dialogue

Former leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to release senior imprisoned party leaders, calling it a necessary confidence-building measure ahead of proposed political talks.

The appeal was made by the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) in a formal letter addressed to the prime minister. The committee includes Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, and Mahmood Maulvi.

The NDC welcomed the government’s renewed offer to engage in dialogue with the opposition, describing it as a positive step toward easing political tensions.

What the NDC Is Demanding

According to the letter, the committee requested that key PTI leaders currently detained in Kot Lakhpat Jail be released on parole to effectively lead and participate in negotiations.

The leaders named include:

• Shah Mahmood Qureshi
• Dr. Yasmin Rashid
• Omar Sarfraz Cheema
• Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed
• Former Senator Ejaz Chaudhry

The committee argued that without the participation of senior leadership, meaningful and sustainable dialogue would not be possible.

Call for Political Stability Through Dialogue

The NDC stressed that confidence-building measures were essential for any dialogue process to succeed.

It urged all political parties to rise above partisan interests and work collectively toward:

• A Charter of Democracy
• A Charter of Economy

According to the committee, such frameworks are crucial to ensuring long-term political stability and economic recovery.

PM Shehbaz’s Conditional Acceptance

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had conditionally accepted PTI’s request for talks, stating that the government remains open to dialogue provided the opposition demonstrates seriousness and commitment.

Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister warned that the government would not accept illegal demands or political blackmail under the cover of negotiations.

Critical Analysis: Confidence vs Control

The NDC’s demand places the government at a delicate crossroads.

On one hand, releasing senior PTI leaders could:

• Signal political maturity
• Reduce tensions
• Strengthen the credibility of the dialogue process

On the other hand, the government appears wary of setting a precedent that could be perceived as conceding under pressure.

PM Shehbaz’s conditional stance suggests that while dialogue is desirable, the government wants firm assurances that talks will not be used as leverage for street pressure or legal immunity.

At the heart of the issue lies a familiar question in Pakistan’s politics: can genuine dialogue take place without first addressing trust deficits?

The Road Ahead

Whether the government responds positively to the NDC’s request will likely determine the fate of any future negotiations.

For now, dialogue remains possible but fragile hinging on whether both sides are willing to compromise beyond rhetoric.