PTI, opposition parties discuss joint strategy as Fazl joins meeting

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and other opposition leaders arrived at the National Assembly on Monday to attend a meeting of the joint opposition parliamentary party, where consultations were held on developing a common strategy against the government.

Talking to the media after the meeting, Barrister Gohar said the current alliance of the opposition was limited to the floor of the National Assembly and legislation. He said the PTI had previously expressed, and continued to hold, the desire for JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to become part of the opposition alliance.

Gohar said all political parties should unite around an agenda focused on strengthening the country, Parliament, the independent judiciary and the Election Commission. He said representatives of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) had also attended the proceedings, adding that communication and dialogue among political parties should continue.

The PTI chairman said the party’s founder had given Asad Qaiser and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas authority regarding opposition movements and political affairs. He added that political workers had been directed not to raise slogans against anyone and to maintain decency during political discussions.

Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman arrived at the chamber of Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and held consultations with him ahead of the joint opposition meeting.

Barrister Gohar, Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, Shahram Tarakai, Shahid Khattak and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri also arrived at Committee Room No. 2, where the joint opposition meeting was subsequently held.

Speaking to the media, Fazl said the government was taking advantage of the absence of a common opposition strategy while pushing through legislation. “Look at the government and the way it is enacting legislation,” he said, adding that the opposition needed to move towards a common strategy.

The JUI-F chief said the joint opposition meeting would be held inside the National Assembly to discuss the political situation and evolve a coordinated course of action.