Opposition alliance urges government to consult parliament, 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 deals and political issues to ensure that decisions on national security are taken by consensus.

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

At the end of the meeting, the alliance unanimously adopted a resolution taking into account national security, the regional situation and people’s sentiments.

The meeting participants expressed deep concern over the alarming situation in the region, while strongly condemning the attacks of the United States and Israel against Iran, calling them a blatant violation of international law and state sovereignty.

“Every sovereign state has a fundamental right to self-defense and respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law is essential to 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 subject to external pressure.

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

Pakistani leaders have since stepped up diplomatic efforts to play their role in managing tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf states.

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

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

They congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on her assumption as head of the Islamic Republic of Iran and extended their best wishes for her tenure while expressing hope that “under her leadership, Iran will 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 rising tensions with Afghanistan, urging both countries to resolve issues with patience, restraint and through diplomacy while ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens. He stressed that Afghan refugees in Pakistan should be treated with dignity and respect in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards.

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

Opposition parties have strongly expressed that the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan was politically motivated and baseless, and urged that it be overturned through legal process.

They also expressed concern over his health, saying he did not have adequate medical facilities in prison, necessitating two transfers to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences within a short period of time for treatment, as well as continued monitoring.