ISLAMABAD: A coalition of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) defectors on Wednesday demanded direct talks between the government and opposition PTI, urging President Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to spearhead the ruling coalition’s delegation. The proposal came to light at the close of a one-day conference convened by the newly-formed National Dialogue Committee (NDC) – an unusual alliance of former PTI defectors who parted ways with the party following the chaotic events of May 9. The NDC proposed that the opposition PTI’s negotiation team be formed through consultations with senior political figures, including those currently in detention, even though PTI has consistently distanced itself from the very group it had been associated with. A central demand of the NDC was the immediate release of PTI’s political prisoners, describing it as an essential step to rebuilding trust for any meaningful dialogue. Among these detainees, the NDC emphasized the need for the release of prominent female leaders like Bushra Bibi, wife of the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Dr Yasmin Rashid, a senior PTI leader. In addition to the calls for the release of political prisoners, the committee urged that political expression within the framework of the constitution be safeguarded, and that political activities be allowed without restrictions. They also pushed for the swift appointment of opposition leaders in National Assembly and Senate, which have been unfilled since August 7. In a pointed statement, the committee strongly condemned both the government and opposition, urging them to halt the exploitation of Pakistan’s armed forces for political gain and to cease the ongoing smear campaigns against the military. In the same breath, the NDC “passionately” hailed armed forces, Rangers, police, and all law enforcement agencies for their unwavering sacrifices. It paid “heartfelt” tribute to the martyrs who have given their lives in defence of the motherland in the relentless battle against terrorism. The committee also made a “resolute” statement, asserting that the “entire” nation stands united in safeguarding the dignity, honour, and prestige of state institutions – “no matter the cost.” However, it also criticized the continuing media restrictions, emphasizing the urgent need for a freer and fairer media environment in the country. The NDC expressed concern over worsening political unrest, economic instability, and rising terrorism, emphasizing that the political crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and national unity. The committee acknowledged the severity of the political and social challenges the country faces, but asserted that peace and stability could only be restored through constructive dialogue. The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of the NDC’s role as an intermediary between the government and opposition PTI, urging both sides to prioritize the national interest over partisan politics and to focus on unity. However, notable absences at the event included representatives from both PTI and the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a coalition of major opposition parties. Despite a special appeal from the NDC, both groups declined to attend the conference. Nonetheless, the NDC maintained that the country’s political leadership must place a premium on dialogue, seeking to rebuild trust among all factions. The conference was attended by former PTI leaders such as Fawad Chaudhry, former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, Dr Shahzad Wasim, and Mahmood Moulvi. It also included leaders like former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Liaqat Baloch, and dissident PTI MNA Sher Fazal Marwat, whose membership in the party had been suspended. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026