ISLAMABAD:
Walking a political tightrope yet keeping the door ajar, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) on Thursday agreed to respond positively, with clear conditions, to the government’s offer of dialogue, while pressing for the immediate release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and the formulation of a comprehensive national strategy to combat terrorism.
The decision was taken during a key consultative meeting held late Wednesday night in Islamabad, where senior leaders of the alliance reviewed the prevailing political situation, recent government statements and the possible framework for negotiations.
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 senior figures.
Sources said the meeting undertook a detailed assessment of the government’s offer for 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 anchored in constitutional supremacy and democratic principles.
On the proposal of PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other PTI central leaders, the alliance authorised its designated heads to formally initiate contact with the government.
Following consensus, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas were entrusted with full authority to move the negotiation process forward.
According to sources, outreach to key government figures is expected during Ramazan to discuss the agenda, procedure and possible timeline of talks. TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai confirmed that the alliance would respond positively if formally approached.
Freedom for Imran
At a separate central committee meeting held at the residence of Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, TTAP reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Imran Khan, claiming he had been “unjustly imprisoned”.
The alliance also insisted that the PTI founder be examined at Shifa International Hospital by his personal physicians and granted unrestricted access to lawyers and family members.
Leaders condemned government’s secrecy regarding Imran Khan’s health, warning that withholding medical information from his family was deepening concerns and could aggravate 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 within 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.
Counterterrorism, Afghanistan
TTAP leaders also urged national consensus against terrorism and called on the federal government to formulate a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy in consultation with provinces, political stakeholders and the public.
Expressing concern over deteriorating relations with Afghanistan, the alliance urged both governments to avoid further confrontation and pursue meaningful negotiations to address security challenges. They also called for engagement with neighbouring and friendly countries to prevent further destabilisation in the region.
Additionally, TTAP warned against potential US military action against Iran and urged Pakistan to play a proactive diplomatic role to prevent escalation.
The alliance criticised Pakistan’s participation in Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” 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.
Regarding the economy, the opposition expressed alarm over worsening indicators, citing recently released data showing poverty rising to 29 per cent and unemployment reaching a 21-year high. TTAP leaders claimed that despite government assertions of major economic agreements, both foreign and domestic investment had declined sharply.
They argued that the reported exit of hundreds of multinational companies from Pakistan reflected a deteriorating risk profile and criticised the government’s failure to present a concrete recovery plan.
The alliance also took aim at public spending decisions, including the purchase of a multi-billion-rupee Gulfstream jet, calling it an example of misplaced priorities amid deepening economic hardship.
TTAP announced plans to present an alternative budget and policy proposals in the coming months, prepared with the assistance of experts, aimed at addressing the country’s economic and legal crises.
