ISLAMABAD:
Walking a political tightrope but keeping the door ajar, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) agreed on Thursday to respond positively with clear conditions to the government’s offer of dialogue while pushing for the immediate release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and the formulation of a comprehensive national counter-terrorism strategy.
The decision was taken during a central consultative meeting late Wednesday night in Islamabad, where senior leaders of the alliance reviewed the prevailing political situation, the latest government statements and the possible framework for negotiations.
The participants included Alliance Chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Asad Qaiser, Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry and other dignitaries.
Sources said the meeting carried out a detailed assessment of the government’s offer of talks, with particular focus on recent remarks by Rana Sanaullah and whether the political environment was conducive to meaningful engagement. It was agreed that any dialogue must remain rooted in constitutional supremacy and democratic principles.
At the suggestion of PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other PTI key leaders, the alliance authorized its designated leaders to formally initiate contact with the government.
After consensus, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas were entrusted with full authority to advance the negotiation process.
According to sources, outreach to key government officials is expected during Ramazan to discuss the agenda, procedure and possible timeline for talks. TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai confirmed that the alliance would respond positively if formally approached.
Freedom for Imran
In a separate central committee meeting held at Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar’s residence, the TTAP reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Imran Khan, claiming that he had been “unfairly imprisoned”.
The alliance also insisted that the PTI founder be examined at Shifa International Hospital by his personal doctors and given unrestricted access to lawyers and family members.
Leaders condemned the government’s secrecy regarding Imran Khan’s health and warned that withholding medical information from his family was fueling concerns and could worsen the political crisis.
They also raised concerns about the health of detained Sunni Ittehad Council chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza and demanded the release of all political prisoners, including senior PTI and allied leaders.
The call for dialogue comes amid visible internal divisions in the PTI. While Achakzai and other senior leaders have expressed readiness for engagement, government officials have publicly suggested that obstacles to talks stem from Imran Khan’s family members, particularly his sister Aleema Khanum, whom they accuse of influencing party decisions and delaying consensus.
Counter Terrorism, Afghanistan
TTAP leaders also called for national consensus against terrorism and urged the federal government to formulate a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy in consultation with provinces, political stakeholders and the public.
The alliance expressed concern over the deteriorating relationship with Afghanistan and called on both governments to avoid further confrontations and continue meaningful negotiations to resolve security challenges. They also called for engagement with neighboring and friendly countries to prevent further destabilization in the region.
In addition, the TTAP warned against potential US military action against Iran and urged Pakistan to play a proactive diplomatic role to prevent escalation.
The alliance criticized Pakistan’s participation in Donald Trump’s “Peace Commission”, arguing that the absence of Palestinian representation raised serious questions about the initiative’s intent and warning that involving Muslim countries without clarity could exacerbate regional tensions.
On the economy, the opposition expressed alarm over worsening indicators, citing recently released data showing poverty has risen to 29 percent and unemployment reached its highest level in 21 years. TTAP leaders claimed that despite the government’s claims of major economic deals, both foreign and domestic investment had fallen sharply.
They argued that the reported exit of hundreds of multinational companies from Pakistan reflected a worsening risk profile and criticized the government’s failure to present a concrete recovery plan.
The alliance also took aim at public spending decisions, including the purchase of a multibillion-rupee Gulfstream jet, calling it an example of misplaced priorities amid deepening economic difficulties.
TTAP announced plans to present an alternative budget and policy proposals in the coming months, drawn up with the assistance of experts, aimed at dealing with the country’s economic and legal crises.
