Opposition parties unite on joint parliamentary strategy

Opposition parties on Monday announced a joint parliamentary strategy, agreeing to coordinate their positions on constitutional, political and economic issues as their leaders gathered for the first joint opposition parliamentary meeting at Parliament House.

Leaders and parliamentary representatives of opposition parties attended the meeting and discussed a common strategy inside parliament, including their positions on law and order, inflation, foreign relations, constitutional matters and proposals concerning the creation or division of provinces.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan, described the meeting as a major development and said the opposition had united for the restoration of the Constitution and strengthening of parliament and the judiciary.

“Today a new alliance has been formed,” Achakzai said.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said opposition parties had decided to work together and resolve matters through mutual consultation.

He opposed moves to divide provinces under the prevailing circumstances, saying such a step could increase mistrust.

“This is not the time for the division of provinces,” Fazl said, adding that neither the environment nor the necessary preparations existed for such a move.

He also defended the 18th Constitutional Amendment and said Pakistan could not afford further political divisions at the state level.

Fazl expressed concern over the law and order situation, saying deteriorating security also had serious consequences for the country's economy. He said Pakistan needed to assess its economic and institutional standing while confronting regional challenges.

Referring to the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he called for the release of prisoners and the creation of an environment conducive to resolving issues through political means.

Fazl said those sitting on the opposition benches had now decided to perform the role of a joint opposition and described Monday's meeting as the first step in that direction.

Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen chief Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also welcomed the opposition's unity and raised concerns over security, alleged violations of civil liberties and the treatment of political prisoners.

He referred to the cases of PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid and party founder Imran Khan and called for implementation of court orders concerning the PTI founder's medical treatment.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the meeting had decided that opposition parties would remain united and adopt common positions inside parliament.

He said the parties would coordinate their stance on law and order, inflation and Pakistan's foreign relations, among other issues.

Gohar said PTI had assured Maulana Fazlur Rehman of its full support and stressed that constitutional changes concerning provinces could not be undertaken hastily.