Opp leaders meet with leadership from JUI-F, JI and QWP; says the country is following a disastrous course
ISLAMABAD:
Leaders of an alliance of opposition parties, Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP), on Tuesday met leaders of three political parties (JUI-F, JI and QWP) to invite them to their next National Consultative Conference scheduled for December 20-21.
In an emergency meeting called on December 10 in the wake of police action against PTI founder Imran Khan’s family members outside Adiala Jail, the TTAP had decided to organize a conference to discuss the political climate, constitutional issues and restrictions imposed on meetings with Imran.
Later, the alliance also announced the invitation of opposition parties, bar councils and human rights organizations to the conference and on Tuesday a TTAP delegation met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, JI leader Liaquat Baloch and QWP chief Aftan Ahmed Khan Sherpao to invite them to the event.
A delegation including Asad Qaiser, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Shehryar Khan Tareen, Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry met Fazl at his residence in Islamabad.
During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the political situation in the country, the supremacy of the Constitution, democratic stability and national unity, according to an official statement. However, there was no information on JUI-F’s response to the invitation.
Earlier, TTAP leaders called on JI leaders in Islamabad. The opposition delegation included Asad Qaiser and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, while the JI was represented by MP Ameer Liaqat Baloch, Mian Aslam, Nasrullah Randhawa and Zubair Safdar.
The two sides held detailed discussions on the country’s political situation, democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution.
Addressing a joint press conference, Asad Qaiser said that the JI had been invited to the national conference due to its important role in politics. He said the direction the country is heading in is dangerous to national interests.
Qaiser termed the denial of a meeting with Imran Khan as illegal and a violation of court orders, adding that the PTI is a responsible political party.
Liaqat Baloch welcomed the opposition alliance and said that the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and the invitation to the national conference would be conveyed to the party chief.
He said Pakistan is being deprived of basic human rights, the country is facing a serious economic crisis and the existing hybrid system has failed.
He added that despite the Prime Minister’s foreign visits, the reality on the ground remains unchanged and the common man is facing grave difficulties.
Baloch emphasized that economic stability is not possible without political stability and the need of the hour is unity among opposition parties.
He also emphasized resolving relations with Afghanistan through dialogue, eliminating terrorism and ensuring peace in the region.
The delegation also met with the head of the QWP.
Asad Qaiser, speaking to the media along with Aftab Ahmed Sherpao, said that the conference scheduled for December 20 and 21 is aimed at deliberating on the deterioration of democracy in the country. He said that the 1973 Constitution gives the people the right to vote, but today that right has been effectively eliminated.
Sherpao accepted the invitation to the conference and said he would consult his party in this regard.
He said that political stability in Pakistan has come to an end and without political stability the country cannot progress. He urged all political parties to collectively play their role in leading the country out of the crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that after the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, discussions are now being held on a 28th constitutional amendment.
He said the 27th amendment weakened the judiciary, while the proposed 28th amendment could cause more harm to the country.
“All interested parties are invited to the national conference, where the 28th constitutional amendment will also be discussed in detail,” he stated.
