TTAP accepts dialogue with government, calls for new charter

Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) has accepted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for dialogue with the government, while calling for the adoption of a new charter to steer the country out of its ongoing political and economic crisis.

The development follows the prime minister’s statement a day earlier that the government was open to dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), adding that “if the PTI is serious about talks, the government is equally prepared.”

However, he clarified that “dialogue can only proceed on the basis of legitimate demands and constitutional principles,” stressing that political harmony is essential for Pakistan’s stability and progress.”

Read: Prime Minister holds up olive branch to opposition

In a statement released on Wednesday, TTAP said it held a meeting chaired by coalition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The meeting included consultations on the opposition’s successful two-day national conference, plans to hold a “black day” on February 8 in Pakistan and worldwide, future strategies regarding strikes and the Prime Minister’s invitation for talks.

The statement said the participants “agreed in principle that there is an urgent need for a new charter to steer the country out of the political and economic crisis, the lack of peace and governance and to eliminate public disillusionment.”

According to the proposed charter, the opposition is prepared to engage in dialogue on the holding of transparent elections, the appointment of a mutually agreed new electoral commissioner, parliamentary supremacy, the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the strengthening of constitutional and democratic values.

The statement also noted that Achakzai had responded to the Speaker of the National Assembly’s invitation for talks on the floor of the House, saying that “if all political parties in Pakistan agree on the restoration of the 1973 Constitution, parliamentary and civil supremacy and non-interference by institutions beyond their constitutional limitations, he would take the signature of Kharan’s new charter.”

TTAP leaders also decided to form sub-committees at the provincial and district levels to ensure the success of the February 8 Black Day and street mobilization, with announcements of these sub-committees to be announced soon.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Coalition, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas; BNP (Mengal) leader Sajid Tarin; TTAP General Secretary Asad Qaiser; Deputy Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar; and coalition spokesman Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai.

The NDC welcomes the PM’s dialogue offer

The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s renewed offer of dialogue with the opposition, particularly the PTI, describing it as a “very positive and golden opportunity” for political stability and democratic continuity.

In an official letter to the prime minister, the committee said it believes “dialogue and reconciliation is the only viable way forward” amid Pakistan’s ongoing political, economic and institutional crises. The letter praised the government’s clear and constructive policy statement as a result of the committee’s persistent efforts.

The NDC stressed that for the talks to succeed, they must begin with “meaningful confidence-building measures.” It specifically sought the release on parole of senior PTI leaders currently detained in Kot Lakhpat jail, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed and former Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, to enable their effective participation in the dialogue process.

The committee said: “This goodwill gesture would not only create an extremely positive, conducive and trust-filled environment for the negotiations, but would also lay a strong foundation for restoring mutual trust among all stakeholders.”

It further appealed to all political parties to prioritize the national interest and actively engage in the process working towards a consensus on a comprehensive charter on democracy and a charter on the economy. According to the NDC, these charters are essential to achieving lasting political stability and economic recovery.