Former PTI Leaders Urge PM Shehbaz Sharif to Release Senior Party Figures on Parole to Facilitate Dialogue

Islamabad:A group of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders who have formed the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) to promote political reconciliation has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, demanding the parole release of senior PTI leaders imprisoned at Kot Lakhpat Jail.

The committee argued that the release of these leaders is essential for ensuring credible leadership, continuity, and effectiveness of the proposed negotiation process. In a letter sent to the prime minister on December 23, the NDC welcomed the government’s offer of talks with the opposition, particularly PTI, describing it as a “golden opportunity” in view of Pakistan’s deepening political, economic, and institutional crises.

Notably, the letter does not mention PTI founder Imran Khan. Instead, it emphasizes that senior party leaders currently outside Adiala Jail are better positioned to initiate and sustain meaningful negotiations.

The letter’s central demand is the release on parole of high-profile PTI leaders detained at Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, and former senator Ejaz Chaudhry. The committee maintained that their participation is vital for leading and contributing effectively to the dialogue process.

According to the NDC, the success of any negotiations depends on practical confidence-building measures. The release of imprisoned PTI leaders would help create a positive environment and restore trust among political stakeholders.

The committee also appealed to all political parties to rise above partisan interests and work toward consensus on a Charter of Democracy and a Charter of Economy, which it said are crucial for long-term political stability and economic recovery.

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