A photo of opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. SCREENSHOT
ISLAMABAD:
Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan on Wednesday urged the government to take the opposition and Parliament into confidence on defense pacts and policies in a changing regional context, stressing that decisions on national security must be taken by consensus.
The demand was contained in a resolution passed at a joint parliamentary meeting of PTI and other opposition parties in Islamabad Parliament, according to a post on TTAP’s X account. The resolution included demands relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The resolution also demands the immediate release of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, besides expressing “deep concern” over the situation in the region and condemns the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai chaired the meeting.
According to sources, the members discussed the situation in Iran and agreed to present a resolution in support of Iran in the National Assembly and the Senate. The text of the resolution prepared by Latif Khosa was appreciated by the participants.
The meeting also discussed legislative procedures and the role of the opposition in parliamentary committees. During the discussion, Sher Ali Arbab expressed reservations about the functioning of the committees.
He said the opposition was not given enough opportunities to effectively present its position, adding that if returning to committees was not possible, resignation from assemblies could also be considered.
Sources said a majority of members favored returning to parliamentary committees, while a few participants suggested keeping the option of resignation under consideration.
Later, in a resolution passed unanimously, the parliamentary party reiterated its stance that the cases in which former Prime Minister Imran Khan was jailed are politically motivated and baseless, and should be resolved through the judicial process.
The resolution expresses serious concerns over the health condition of Imran Khan while he is detained at Adiala Prison, noting that he was allegedly transferred twice for treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences due to lack of adequate medical facilities in the prison.
He also noted the absence of a retina specialist at the hospital and said that despite the deterioration of vision in his right eye, access to his personal doctors and family members remained restricted.
In view of his deteriorating health condition and the need for immediate medical attention, he demanded his immediate release under Rules 143, 145, 146, 197 and 795 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, read with Section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, citing precedents where similar relief had been granted to a convicted former Prime Minister.
The resolution also expresses deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the region and strongly condemns the attacks carried out against Iran by the United States and Israel, calling them a blatant violation of international law and state sovereignty.
The meeting emphasized that every sovereign state has the fundamental right to self-defense and stressed that respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law is essential for global peace and stability. He also urged Muslim countries not to allow their territory, airspace or resources to be used against another state under external pressure.
Participants expressed sadness over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and others, paid tribute to them and condemned all incidents targeting civilian populations.
The meeting also expressed concern over rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and urged the two countries to resolve their differences through patience and diplomatic engagement while ensuring protection of civilian lives and property.
He further called for dignified treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said there were serious concerns within the parliamentary party over Imran Khan’s health, adding that nearly 100 MPs had expressed reservations on the issue. He said a resolution regarding Imran Khan’s health would be presented in the National Assembly.
Separately, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott also visited Parliament and met Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the Opposition House, where they discussed issues of common interest and the current political situation.
