A photo of opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. SCREEN GRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan on Wednesday urged the government to take the opposition and parliament into confidence on defense pacts and policies amid the changing regional situation, stressing that national security decisions must be taken by consensus.
The demand was listed in a resolution passed during a joint parliamentary meeting between the PTI and other opposition parties at Parliament House in Islamabad, according to a post on TTAP’s X account. The resolution contained demands regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as well as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The resolution also demanded the immediate release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, in addition to expressing “deep concern” over the situation in the region and condemning US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
National Assembly Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai chaired the meeting.
According to sources, the members discussed the situation in Iran and agreed to introduce a resolution in support of Iran in both 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 how the committees functioned.
He said the opposition was not given sufficient opportunities to present its position effectively, adding that if returning to the committees was not possible, withdrawing from the assemblies could also be considered.
Sources said a majority of members supported a return to parliamentary committees, while a few participants suggested keeping the option of resignation under consideration.
Later, in a unanimous resolution, the parliamentary party reiterated its position that the cases in which former prime minister Imran Khan has been jailed are politically motivated and baseless and should be resolved through the judicial process.
The resolution expressed serious concern over Imran Khan’s health condition while detained in Adiala Jail, noting that he has reportedly been shifted twice for treatment to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences due to lack of adequate medical facilities in the jail.
It also pointed to the absence of a retina specialist at the hospital and claimed that despite worsening vision in his right eye, access to his personal doctors and family members remained limited.
In view of his deteriorating health and the need for immediate medical attention, it demanded his immediate release under Rules 143, 145, 146, 197 and 795 of the Pakistan Jail Rules, read with Section 401 of the Criminal Procedure Code, citing precedents where similar emergency relief had been granted to a previously convicted former prime minister.
The resolution also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the region and strongly condemned the attacks against Iran by the US and Israel, describing them as a clear 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. It also urged Muslim countries not to allow their territory, airspace or resources to be used against another state under external pressure.
Participants expressed grief over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and others, paid tribute to them and condemned all incidents targeting the civilian population.
The meeting also expressed concern over the rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and urged both countries to resolve their differences through patience and diplomatic engagement while ensuring protection of civilian lives and property.
It 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 was serious concern in the parliamentary party regarding Imran Khan’s health, adding that nearly 100 MPs had expressed reservations over the issue. He said a resolution on Imran Khan’s health would be presented in the National Assembly.
Separately, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott also visited Parliament House and met Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the Opposition Chamber where they discussed issues of mutual interest and the current political situation.
