ISLAMABAD:
Walking a political tightrope but 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 dialogue offer, while pushing 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 on Wednesday night in Islamabad, where senior leaders of the alliance reviewed the prevailing political situation, recent government statements and the possible framework for negotiations.
Among the participants were 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 a detailed assessment of the government’s offer for talks was carried out at the meeting, with special focus on Rana Sanaullah’s recent comments 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 General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other central PTI leaders, the alliance authorized its designated heads to formally initiate contacts with the government.
Following the consensus, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas were entrusted with full authority to move the negotiation process forward.
According to sources, key government figures are expected to be contacted during Ramadan to discuss the agenda, procedure and possible timeline for the talks. TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai confirmed that the alliance would respond positively if approached formally.
Freedom for Imran
In a separate central committee meeting held at Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar’s residence, the TTAP reiterated its demand for Imran Khan’s immediate release, alleging that he had been “unjustly imprisoned”.
The alliance also insisted that the PTI founder be examined at Shifa International Hospital by his personal doctors and be granted unrestricted access to lawyers and family members.
Leaders condemned the government’s secrecy over Imran Khan’s health, warning that withholding medical information from his family was deepening concerns and could aggravate the political crisis.
They also expressed concern over the health of detained Sunni Ittehad Council chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza and demanded the release of all political prisoners, including senior PTI officials and allied leaders.
The call for dialogue comes amid visible internal divisions within the PTI. While Achakzai and other senior leaders have expressed a willingness to participate, government officials have publicly suggested that obstacles to talks come from Imran Khan’s relatives, particularly his sister Aleema Khanum, whom they accuse of influencing party decisions and delaying consensus.
Counterterrorism, Afghanistan
TTAP leaders also urged a national counter-terrorism consensus and called on the federal government to formulate a comprehensive counter-terrorism 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 engage in meaningful negotiations to address security challenges. They also called for engagement with neighboring and friendly countries to avoid further destabilization in the region.
Additionally, the TTAP warned against possible US military action against Iran and urged Pakistan to play a proactive diplomatic role to avoid escalation.
The alliance criticized Pakistan’s participation in Donald Trump’s “Peace Board”, arguing that the absence of Palestinian representation raised serious questions about the intent of the initiative and warning that involving Muslim countries without clarity could exacerbate regional tensions.
On the economy, the opposition expressed alarm over worsening indicators, citing recently released data showing poverty rose to 29 percent and unemployment hit its highest level in 21 years. TTAP leaders claimed that despite government claims of major economic deals, both foreign and domestic investment had declined sharply.
They argued that the reported departure of hundreds of multinational companies from Pakistan reflected a deteriorating risk profile and criticized the government’s failure to present a concrete recovery plan.
The alliance also took aim at public spending decisions, including the purchase of a Gulfstream aircraft worth billions of rupees, calling it an example of misplaced priorities amid deepening economic difficulties.
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.
