Islamabad: In a significant move to ease political tensions, the National Dialogue Committee held a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, during which the proposal to form a government negotiation committee was discussed in consultation with President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The meeting, organized under the auspices of the National Dialogue Committee, was attended by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader Liaqat Baloch, senior political figures Sher Afzal Marwat, Barrister Saif, Imran Ismail, and Shehzad Wasim.
According to the official statement issued after the meeting, the discussions focused on establishing mechanisms for dialogue between the government and the opposition and exploring ways to reduce political tension across the country.
The formation of an opposition committee in coordination with political prisoners is proposed to strengthen the dialogue process, the statement said.
The proposal to create a government negotiation committee was made in consultation with the President, Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The communiqué also recommended immediate appointment of opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate, release of political workers to build trust in the government, lifting of media censorship, and withdrawal of politically motivated cases.
Participants agreed to continue the dialogue process to foster political reconciliation and ensure national stability. The next meeting of the National Dialogue Committee has been scheduled to take place in Multan.
The ongoing dialogue demonstrates a shared commitment to reducing tensions, building mutual trust, and strengthening democratic institutions, the committee said.