Opposition alliance urges government to consult Parliament and opposition on defense deals amid regional tensions

The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) on Wednesday demanded that the government consult Parliament and the opposition on the country’s defense arrangements and political issues to ensure that national security decisions are taken with consensus.

The demand was made during a joint session of the opposition parliamentary parties of the National Assembly and the Senate, which was held in Parliament.

After the meeting, the alliance unanimously adopted a resolution, taking into account national security, regional situation and people’s feelings.

He said participants in the meeting expressed deep concern over the alarming situation in the region and strongly condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as a clear violation of international law and state sovereignty.

“Every sovereign State has the fundamental right to self-defense and that respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law is essential for global peace and stability,” the statement said, urging Muslim countries not to allow their territory, airspace or resources to be used against any other country under external pressure.

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Tensions in the Middle East rose sharply after US and Israeli airstrikes last week killed Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation by Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the attacks, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.

Pakistan’s leadership has since intensified its diplomatic efforts to play its role in managing tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf States.

“Pakistan must continue to play its role in fostering brotherly relations with Muslim countries, promoting Islamic solidarity and prioritizing diplomacy, negotiations and peaceful means to reduce regional tensions,” the statement emphasised, citing Article 40 of the Constitution.

Participants in the meeting paid tribute to the martyrs, including Khamenei, and strongly condemned all incidents against the civilian population.

They congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei for assuming the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran and extended their best wishes for his tenure, while expressing their hope that “under his leadership, Iran would advance internal stability, development and national unity, while contributing positively to peace, stability and cooperation in the Muslim world.”

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The opposition also called on the government and the international community to take immediate and effective diplomatic measures for a ceasefire, reduction of tensions and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

He further expressed concern over the rising tensions with Afghanistan, and urged both countries to resolve the issues with patience, restraint and diplomatic means while ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens. He stressed that Afghan refugees in Pakistan must be treated with dignity and respect in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards.

The resolution reaffirmed the commitment to continue the fight for democracy, constitutional supremacy and protection of citizens’ rights in Pakistan, calling on all political and social sectors to unite and play their part in this national mission.

Opposition parties strongly expressed that the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan was politically motivated and baseless and urged that it be quashed through the judicial process.

They also expressed concern about his health, saying that he has not been provided with adequate medical facilities in prison, requiring two transfers to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in a short period for treatment, along with continuous monitoring.