The resolution states that any decision by Achakzai would be binding on all members of the parliamentary party.
ISLAMABAD:
A major opposition alliance on Thursday formally authorized opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate to hold negotiations on its behalf with the government and their decisions would be binding after an eight-hour meeting, even as the PTI hardened its stand that Imran Khan remains the sole lynchpin of Pakistan’s politics and that any “less-Imran” formula will be resisted.
The decision was taken at a meeting of opposition parliamentary parties held under the chairmanship of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, attended by more than 70 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legislators from the National Assembly and Senate, followed by a joint press conference addressed by senior opposition leaders including Barrister Gohar.
Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) parliamentary parties passed a resolution giving full authority to Mahmood Kham Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead the negotiations on behalf of the alliance.
The resolution stated that both leaders had been authorized to take all decisions regarding the talks and that any decision by Mahmood Khan Achakzai would be binding on all members of the parliamentary party.
Opening the press conference after the long meeting, Achakzai said the meeting was held amid concerns over Imran Khan’s health, restricted access and treatment of political detainees.
He said the discussions also covered inflation, economic instability and worsening law and order, adding that the alliance would continue its fight through constitutional means without personal attacks.
He said democratic institutions, including Parliament, had weakened over time and stressed that the alliance’s goal was to restore constitutional order.
Speaking at the press conference, PTI Chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan said the “single point agenda” of the meeting was to ensure access and release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
He said participants expressed serious concern about restrictions on meetings with Khan, alleging that his family, lawyers and party leaders were being denied access. He called the treatment “illegal, unconstitutional and inhumane” and called for urgent hearings of PTI-related cases in accordance with the law.
Gohar said there was complete consensus that Imran Khan remained central to Pakistan’s political landscape, adding that the party rejected any “less-Imran” formula.
He clarified that no discussion had taken place on the return of PTI lawmakers to parliamentary standing committees, saying the focus remained entirely on Khan’s access, legal status and political future.
He said the PTI existed in Parliament because of Imran Khan and warned that any attempt to marginalize it politically would meet with strong resistance. He also announced planned protests at the district headquarters against inflation and in support of Khan’s release.
Addressing reports of a petition regarding the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s position, Gohar dismissed it as a political issue, alleging that it was part of a conspiracy. He said only Imran Khan had the authority to decide party leadership matters and described the chief ministerial deal as politically, legally and constitutionally “irreversible”.
Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas said the country is facing a serious political, economic and security crisis, with inflation, unemployment and poverty placing an unbearable burden on citizens.
He said dialogue should not be seen as a weakness but as a necessity to restore constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. He also demanded the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan and party workers, and criticized the shrinking space for political dissent.
