Opp leaders meet JUI-F, JI and QWP leaderships; says a country charting a disastrous course
ISLAMABAD:
Leaders of an opposition party alliance – Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) – on Tuesday met leaders of three political parties – JUI-F, JI and QWP – to invite them to their upcoming National Consultative Conference scheduled for 20-21. December.
In an emergency meeting called on December 10 in the wake of a police crackdown on PTI founder Imran Khan’s family members outside Adiala jail, TTAP had decided to organize a conference to discuss the political climate, constitutional issues and restrictions imposed on meeting Imran.
The alliance had then also announced to invite opposition parties, bar councils and human rights organizations to the conference and on Tuesday a TTAP delegation met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, JI leader Liaquat Baloch and QWP chief Aftan Ahmed Khan Sherpao to invite them to the event.
A delegation including Asad Qaiser, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Shehryar Khan Tareen, Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry met Fazl at his residence in Islamabad.
During the meeting, according to an official statement, extensive discussions were held on the country’s political situation, the supremacy of the constitution, democratic stability and national unity. However, there was no word on the JUI-F’s response to the invitation.
Earlier, TTAP leaders called on the JI leadership in Islamabad. The opposition delegation included Asad Qaiser and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, while the JI was represented by deputy Ameer Liaqat Baloch, Mian Aslam, Nasrullah Randhawa and Zubair Safdar.
The two sides held detailed discussions on the country’s political situation, democracy and the supremacy of the constitution.
In a joint press conference, Asad Qaiser said that JI had been invited to the national conference because of its significant role in politics. He said the direction in which the country is heading is dangerous for national interests.
Terming the rejection of a meeting with Imran Khan as illegal and a violation of court orders, Qaiser added that PTI is a responsible political party.
Welcoming the opposition alliance, Liaqat Baloch said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and the invitation to the national conference would be conveyed to the party chief.
He said that Pakistan is being deprived of basic human rights, that the country is facing a serious economic crisis and that the existing hybrid system has failed.
He added that despite the Prime Minister’s foreign visits, the ground reality remains unchanged and the common man is facing severe hardships.
Baloch emphasized that economic stability is not possible without political stability and the need of the hour is unity among opposition parties.
He also emphasized on resolving relations with Afghanistan through dialogue, eliminating terrorism and ensuring peace in the region.
The delegation also met the QWP chief.
While addressing the media along with Aftab Ahmed Sherpao, Asad Qaiser stated that the conference scheduled for December 20 and 21 is aimed at discussing the deteriorating state of democracy in the country. He said the 1973 constitution gives the people the right to vote, but today this right has effectively been eliminated.
Sherpao accepted the invitation to the conference and said he would consult with his party in this regard.
He said that political stability in Pakistan has come to an end and without political stability the country cannot progress. He called on all political parties to jointly play their role in steering the country out of crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that after the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, discussions are now on for a 28th constitutional amendment.
He said the 27th amendment weakened the judiciary while the proposed 28th amendment could cause further damage to the country.
“All stakeholders are invited to the national conference where the 28th constitutional amendment will also be discussed in detail,” he said.
