Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) has agreed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for dialogue with the government, while urging the adoption of a new charter to steer the country out of its ongoing political and economic crisis.

The development follows the premier’s statement a day earlier that the government was open to dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), adding that “if PTI is serious about negotiations, the government is equally prepared.”

However, he clarified that ‘dialogue can only move forward on the basis of legitimate demands and constitutional principles,’ stressing that political harmony is essential for Pakistan’s stability and progress.”

Read: PM holds out olive branch to opposition

In a declaration released on Wednesday, TTAP said it held a meeting under the chairmanship of coalition head Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The meeting included consultations on the opposition’s successful two-day national conference, plans to observe a “Black Day” on February 8 in Pakistan and worldwide, future strategies regarding strikes, and the Prime Minister’s invitation for negotiations.

The declaration said participants “agreed in principle that there is an urgent need for a new charter to steer the country out of the political and economic crisis, the lack of peace and governance, and to eliminate public disillusionment.”

Under the proposed charter, the opposition is prepared to engage in dialogue on holding transparent elections, the appointment of a mutually agreed new Election Commissioner, parliamentary supremacy, rule of law, protection of human rights, and strengthening constitutional and democratic values.

The declaration also noted that Achakzai had responded to the Speaker of the National Assembly’s invitation for talks on the floor of the house, saying that “if all political parties in Pakistan agree on the restoration of the 1973 Constitution, parliamentary and civilian supremacy, and non-interference by institutions beyond their constitutional limits, he would take responsibility for securing Imran Khan’s signature on the new charter.”

TTAP leaders also decided to form sub-committees at provincial and district levels to ensure the success of the February 8 Black Day and street mobilization, with announcements regarding these sub-committees to be made soon.

The meeting was attended by the coalition’s Vice Chairman, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas; BNP (Mengal) leader Sajid Tarin; TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser; Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar; and coalition spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai.

NDC Welcomes PM’s Dialogue Offer

The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s renewed offer of dialogue with the opposition, particularly PTI, describing it as a “highly positive and golden opportunity” for political stability and democratic continuity.

In an official letter addressed to the prime minister, the committee said it believes “dialogue and reconciliation are the only viable path forward” amid Pakistan’s ongoing political, economic, and institutional crises. The letter praised the government’s clear and constructive policy statement as a result of the committee’s persistent efforts.

The NDC stressed that for the talks to succeed, they must begin with “meaningful confidence-building measures.” It specifically requested the release on parole of senior PTI leaders currently detained in Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, and former Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, to enable their effective participation in the dialogue process.

The committee said, “This goodwill gesture would not only create an extremely positive, conducive, and trust-filled environment for the negotiations but would also lay a strong foundation for restoring mutual confidence among all stakeholders.”

It further appealed to all political parties to prioritize the national interest and actively engage in the process, working towards a consensus on a comprehensive Charter of Democracy and Charter of Economy. According to the NDC, these charters are essential for achieving lasting political stability and economic recovery.