Fawad Chaudhry. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The National Dialogue Committee (NDC), a platform led by former PTI leaders, on Friday proposed forming a national unity government comprising all political parties to bring the country out of the current political impasse.
Speaking at a press conference, NDC members Fawad Chaudhry and Mahmood Molvi, along with former minister Muhammad Ali Durrani and senior PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, urged political parties to reduce hostility and return to the negotiating table.
The call for a consensus government came amid claims and counterclaims over a possible deal between the PTI government and the controversy surrounding Imran Khan’s health.
Fawad said the NDC aimed to normalize the political climate in the country, warning that continued polarization was worsening governance and economic challenges.
He claimed that economic conditions had forced many international companies to leave Pakistan and cited financial reports showing that citizens were facing severe economic hardship.
He added that political stability could not be achieved without dialogue among stakeholders and stressed that confrontation would only deepen national divisions.
“Pakistan needs a break from chaos, and the only way to move forward is to form a government of national unity,” said Fawad, who served as information minister under the PTI government. He added that political tensions have not eased over the past four years.
He said that although the government had made efforts, it had failed to diminish the political stature of Imran Khan. At the same time, he added, the PTI and its leaders have also failed to achieve the promised revolution, a situation that affects ordinary citizens.
“I demand, from the platform of the NDC, the creation of a national government in Pakistan, formed on the advice of Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Imran Khan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other political heavyweights,” he said.
He also called out the establishment, saying the powers that be should facilitate dialogue among politicians to reduce political tensions, secure the release of political prisoners and reach consensus on major reforms.
Commenting on Imran Khan’s health, Fawad said the entire nation was concerned and he should have immediate access to his personal doctors.
He said consulting doctors of his choice was Imran’s legal and humanitarian right, and authorities should allow medical professionals to directly assess his condition.
Durrani said the formation of a national government could be a way forward to get the country out of the political deadlock. “It’s not a new concept; historically it has worked, whether in the UK, Ireland or South Africa,” he said.
Lawyer Saif highlighted two major challenges facing Pakistan: terrorism, which he said affects more than half the population, and international developments, including the situation in Gaza and Palestine, which could have long-term implications.
“Reconciliation is essential in the current environment. Security challenges in large parts of the country make national unity more important than ever. Political tensions and hostile rhetoric must be reduced, and all political leaders must engage in constructive dialogue,” he said.
Responding to questions about his contacts with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Saif said, “I have been in touch with Mohsin Naqvi in the past, but so far it has not yielded any results. I am still trying to get Imran Khan released.
