The resolution states that any decision by Achakzai would be binding on all members of the parliamentary party
ISLAMABAD:
On Thursday, a grand opposition alliance formally empowered opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate to hold negotiations on its behalf with the government and their decisions would be binding after eight hours of discussion, even as the PTI hardened its stance that Imran Khan remains the sole axis of Pakistani politics and any ‘minus-Imran’ formula will be resisted.
The decision was taken at a meeting of opposition parliamentary parties held under the chairmanship of Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, in the presence of over 70 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers from the National Assembly and Senate, followed by a joint press conference addressed by senior opposition leaders, including Barrister Gohar.
The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) parliamentary parties have passed a resolution granting full powers to Mahmood Kham Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead the negotiations on behalf of the alliance.
The resolution stated that the two 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 lengthy 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 focused on inflation, economic instability and deterioration of law and order, adding that the alliance would continue its struggle 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 Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the “single agenda” of the meeting was to secure access and release of imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan.
He said participants had expressed serious concerns 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 on PTI-related cases in accordance with the law.
Gohar said there was complete consensus that Imran Khan remained at the center of Pakistan’s political landscape, adding that the party rejected any ‘less-Imran’ formula.
He clarified that no discussions had taken place on PTI lawmakers returning to parliamentary standing committees, saying the focus remained entirely on Khan’s access, his legal situation and his political future.
He said PTI existed in Parliament because of Imran Khan and warned that any attempt to marginalize it politically would meet strong resistance. He also announced planned protests at the district headquarters against inflation and in favor of Khan’s release.
Responding to 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 matters of party leadership and described the chief ministerial arrangement as “irreversible” politically, legally and constitutionally.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, said the country was facing a serious political, economic and security crisis, with inflation, unemployment and poverty imposing an unbearable burden on citizens.
He said dialogue should not be seen as a weakness but 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.
