Former PPP Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar on Tuesday announced his decision to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aeen Pakistan (TTAP).

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with PTI leader Omar Ayub and other leaders of the alliance, Khokhar expressed gratitude to TTAP for the comprehensive discussions held on the nation’s challenges and ongoing crises.

“Our discussions covered a range of issues including terrorism, economy and national integrity,” said Khokhar, who is also a former spokesman for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He said it was imperative to work together in the challenging times facing the nation. “The burden of these crises is borne by the population, with over 15 million falling below the poverty line in the past year,” he added.

Khokhar stressed the urgent need to save the country from political instability as he accused the current PML-N-led government of exacerbating the crises. “The government has given its shoulder to exacerbate these crises, a situation unprecedented in our history.”

Khokhar declared his commitment to work with TTAP and called for a national agenda focused on restoring the rule of law and the constitution. “This broader interest will include civil society and all stakeholders,” he added.

The former senator also revealed ongoing talks with other political parties. “We will finalize an agenda and begin our struggle to free the nation from its crises,” he said, stressing the importance of deciding whether decisions about the country will be made behind closed doors or by the people’s vote.