General (r) Lodhi’s reconciliation proposal has reached the military authorities

ISLAMABAD: Former Defense Minister Lieutenant General Naeem Lodhi’s proposal for political and institutional reconciliation, which focuses – without naming any party – on bridging the gap between the establishment and the PTI, has reached the military authorities.

Lodhi told The News that he has yet to receive a response from military authorities on his series of proposals for reconciliation. He also said that he has not contacted Imran Khan, any other important PTI figure or leaders of other political parties in this regard so far.

However, the retired general is in touch with Syed Mushahid Hussain, Muhammad Ali Durrani, an ex-four-star general, a former air marshal, some retired key diplomats, bureaucrats and a few media persons for a concerted effort for an early political and institutional approach. reconciliation. However, it is not yet known who will formally join General Lodhi’s efforts.

Lodhi has proposed an end to inflammatory discourse against institutions, an end to political persecution, and giving the current government at least two years to deliver results.

Speaking to The News a few days ago, the retired general had said that even if the parties involved initially appear uncompromising, sincere groups and individuals – in the interest of the country and its poverty-stricken people – should not do so. be daunted by the enormity of the seemingly impossible task.

He demanded an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Committee with a special invitation to the CJP, leaders of major political parties, prominent media and business personalities, etc. to discuss reconciliation.

Lt. Gen. Lodhi’s demands include a call for an immediate cessation of all forms of seditious and aggressive posturing against rival political groups and institutions; cessation and reversal of all political persecutions by the government and others; and that the judiciary and tribunals are free to administer expeditious justice in connection with politically motivated trials and appeals related to election complaints.

Further demands, which the former Defense Minister also detailed in his op-ed published in The News on Wednesday, are that the police and the district administration should not be used to harass political opponents; the current governments, federal and provincial, will have at least two problem-free years (until the end of 2025) to achieve results; those who do not accept the election results can remain peaceful and accept under protest the current governments for this designated interim period; their silent protests may manifest themselves through benign, non-violent acts such as wearing black armbands, etc.; and no street protests or large-scale demonstrations during these two years, except approved gatherings for organizational purposes.

Lodhi told this correspondent that his article had been conveyed to the military authorities. “I have not received any response from the military side so far,” he said, adding that he has not contacted Imran Khan or any other important leader of the PTI or the top leadership of other political parties so far.

Although Lodhi has made public his proposals for political and institutional reconciliation, he plans to contact stakeholders only after the civil society grouping he is working on is finalized.