Islamabad: Samana Malaika Raza, General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party Human Rights Cell, has called upon the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to immediately resume political dialogue, stressing that negotiations are crucial for resolving the crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and restoring democratic stability.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Raza highlighted that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has made consistent efforts to find a political solution before the imposition of emergency and has extended an offer for negotiations once more. This stance emphasizes the significance of political engagement, reconciliation, and consensus, especially as the country grapples with significant security challenges.
Raza pointed out that the emergency should remain a temporary measure and end sooner rather than later. She urged both the federal government and PTI to show a serious commitment to democracy, constitutional governance, and national security. The battle against terrorism necessitates effective collaboration between federal and provincial authorities, and political differences should be resolved through dialogue instead of prolonged confrontation.
She also stressed the importance of protecting fundamental human rights at all times, including during an emergency. The rights, dignity, and safety of political workers and civilians must be preserved, and constitutional safeguards, due process, freedom of peaceful political expression, and protection against arbitrary detention must be upheld. Security measures should adhere to the Constitution and not serve as a pretext for suppressing political activity or curtailing citizens' freedoms.
The PPP Human Rights Cell urges both parties to prioritize the interests of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan over partisan considerations. The government should keep the door open for negotiations, and PTI must engage constructively in establishing a viable political and security framework. Neither democracy nor national security can be fortified through perpetual confrontation.
Malaika Raza reiterated that emergency measures cannot replace political consensus. The immediate priority is to reopen dialogue, foster cooperation against terrorism, protect fundamental rights, and establish conditions for restoring normal democratic governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.