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Former PTI Leaders Seek Release of Jailed Party Figures to Facilitate Dialogue
Ex-PTI leaders urge PM Shehbaz Sharif to release senior PTI figures on parole, calling it vital for meaningful political dialogue and national reconciliation.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-24
Former PTI Leaders Seek Release of Jailed Party Figures to Facilitate Dialogue

A group of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, operating under the banner of the National Dialogue Committee (NDC), has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, demanding the release of senior PTI leaders currently imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail on parole to facilitate political reconciliation.

In a letter addressed to the prime minister on December 23, the committee welcomed the government’s offer of talks with the opposition, particularly PTI, describing it as a “golden opportunity” amid Pakistan’s worsening political, economic and institutional crises.

The letter notably avoids mentioning PTI founder Imran Khan and instead emphasizes that meaningful dialogue can only proceed with the participation of senior party leadership not detained in Adiala Jail. The committee stressed that experienced leaders outside Adiala are crucial for initiating and sustaining negotiations.

The NDC’s primary demand is the parole-based release of prominent PTI leaders detained in Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, Mian Mahmood Rashid and former senator Ijaz Chaudhry. According to the committee, their release is essential for ensuring leadership credibility and effectiveness in the dialogue process.

The letter underlined that confidence-building measures are central to the success of any negotiations, asserting that the release of imprisoned leaders would help foster trust and create a conducive environment for talks between political stakeholders.

Additionally, the committee appealed to all political parties to rise above partisan interests and work collectively towards consensus on a Charter of Democracy and a Charter of Economy, describing both as vital for long-term political stability and economic recovery.

The letter was signed by former PTI leaders Mahmood Maulvi, Imran Ismail and Fawad Chaudhry, who recently formed the National Dialogue Committee to pave the way for talks between the government and PTI. A copy of the letter was also shared with The News by Fawad Chaudhry.
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PTI

PakistanPolitics

PoliticalReconciliation

NationalDialogue
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