The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) on Wednesday called for the formation of a talks committee comprising President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif to advance dialogue with political prisoners and ease political tensions.

The demand was made in a joint declaration issued after an NDC conference held in Islamabad.

The committee said Pakistan faces serious political, economic and social challenges that can only be addressed through sustained and meaningful dialogue.

The NDC is headed by former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahmood Moulvi.

No representatives from PTI, PML-N or the Pakistan Peoples Party attended the meeting.

However, Awam Pakistan Party chief and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Liaquat Baloch and MNA Sher Afzal Marwat were among the participants.

The declaration called for the immediate appointment of opposition leaders in the Senate and the National Assembly, restoration of women political workers, an end to media censorship, and withdrawal of cases against political figures.

It said the release of political workers would help build confidence in the negotiation process and reduce political confrontation.

Speakers at the meeting said political stability is essential for national stability and stressed that all political parties, including PTI, must sit at the same table.

They said political polarisation, strained civil-military relations, terrorism, delays in justice, restrictions on the media and disputed elections have placed the state under strain.

Participants also said the release of political prisoners, especially the PTI founder and women workers, is necessary for confidence-building and de-escalation.

They agreed that politics driven by personal interests and power struggles has divided the nation and called for a shift toward institutional reforms, constitutional supremacy, rule of law, protection of human rights and a transparent political process.

Addressing the meeting, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the NDC provided a useful platform and that all stakeholders must contribute to putting the country back on track.

He said politicians, the military and judges must sit together to address national challenges.

He said Pakistan has been operating under a “hybrid system” for the past seven years, in which the establishment is also a stakeholder.

He added that weak exports, lack of investment and unequal application of the law were damaging the economy and society.

Participants also offered prayers for the martyrs. The next meeting of the National Dialogue Committee will be held in Multan.