The National Dialogue Committee has decided to convene a large consultative meeting of politicians, lawyers and intellectuals to discuss prevailing political tensions and key national issues in the country.

According to sources, outreach efforts have already begun, with committee members Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahmood Maulvi engaging with various political and social groups to ensure broad and representative participation.

It may be mentioned that all three — Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahmood Maulvi — were former members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and left the party after its violent protests on May 9.

The sources said the National Dialogue Committee’s proposed meeting is expected to be held in Islamabad next week.

Political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Jamaat-e-Islami, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Awami National Party (ANP), among others, will be invited to the proposed conference.

Lawyers’ organisations and intellectuals from various walks of life will also be invited in an effort to facilitate comprehensive discussions on national issues.

According to the sources, the proposed conference aims to hold open discussions on the country’s political crisis, constitutional matters, the democratic process and a future course of action.

Individuals close to the National Dialogue Committee said the forum is intended to promote dialogue among different political forces and help reduce differences.

However, during these developments, contact was also made with the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan, but the group’s leadership has declined to participate in the conference.

Sources familiar with the group’s stance said its leaders believe the current situation is unlikely to yield meaningful outcomes from such a conference and therefore they will not be part of the process.

Political analysts said that if most major political parties take part, the conference could prove to be an important step toward political dialogue in the country.

Others, however, have described the initiative as largely symbolic.