The opposition alliance calls on the government to consult parliament, the opposition on defense deals amid regional tensions

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 affairs to ensure that national security decisions are taken by consensus.

The demand was made during a joint meeting of the opposition parliamentary parties in the National Assembly and the Senate, which was held in Parliament House.

After the meeting, the alliance unanimously adopted a resolution that took into account national security, the regional situation and the sentiments of the people.

It said participants in the meeting expressed deep concern over the alarming situation in the region while strongly condemning the US and Israeli attacks against Iran, describing them as a clear violation of international law and state sovereignty.

“Every sovereign state has a fundamental right to self-defense and that respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law is essential to global peace and stability,” reads the statement, which calls on Muslim countries not to allow their territory, airspace or resources to be used against any other country under external pressure.

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Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US 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 the attacks, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.

Pakistan’s leadership has since stepped up its diplomatic efforts to play its role in managing tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf states.

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

The participants of the meeting paid tribute to the martyrs, including Khamenei, and strongly condemned all incidents targeting the civilian population.

They congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressed best wishes for his tenure, while expressing hope that “under his leadership, Iran will promote 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 steps for a ceasefire, reduction of tensions and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

It further expressed concern over the rising tensions with Afghanistan and urged both countries to resolve issues with patience, restraint and diplomatic means while ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens. It 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, and called on all political and social sectors to unite and play their part in this national mission.

The opposition parties strongly expressed that the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan was politically motivated and baseless and urged that it be quashed through the legal process.

They also expressed concern over his health, saying he has not been provided with adequate medical facilities in prison, necessitating two transfers to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences within a short period for treatment, along with continuous follow-up.