ISLAMABAD: A coalition of former members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), now part of the newly formed National Dialogue Committee (NDC), called on Friday for former prime minister Imran Khan to be allowed access to his personal physician while in detention.
The NDC, an unlikely alliance of political leaders who parted ways with PTI following the chaotic events of May 9, also urged the country’s political leaders to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue to address the current crisis.
During a press conference, the NDC leaders voiced concern over the increasingly confrontational political climate in the country, with calls for an end to abusive rhetoric and an emphasis on dialogue between all political factions.
The leaders stressed that, amidst the country’s deepening political and economic challenges, a united effort was necessary to move forward.
Fawad Chaudhry, a senior NDC leader, stated that the nation was worried about Khan’s health and reiterated that it was Khan’s right to choose his medical team.
He also pointed out that the NDC was working to lower the political temperature, which he described as crucial for the country’s stability.
He was critical of the government’s economic policies, citing the departure of 125 international companies from Pakistan and reports from the IMF and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) highlighting the growing financial strain on the masses.
He further claimed the current government had no mandate and was increasingly out of touch with the people.
In a broader call for unity, he argued that the country did not need another political movement but rather a collective effort to resolve its challenges through dialogue.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali Durrani, another member of the NDC, condemned recent comments made by President Asif Ali Zardari that were deemed offensive to women, urging him to retract his statement.
He also criticised Zardari’s remarks about Imran Khan, saying that the only viable solution was the formation of a national unity government.
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, representing PTI, also spoke at the press conference, highlighting the need for political reconciliation and underlining the NDC’s role in mitigating the country’s political divisions.
He called for an end to the current hostile environment and for all political leaders to come together to address the country’s pressing issues.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments