ISLAMABAD: The joint opposition held its first parliamentary meeting, bringing together leaders and parliamentary representatives of opposition parties to discuss a coordinated strategy on political, economic, security and judicial matters.
The meeting was followed by a joint press conference in which opposition leaders described the formation of a unified opposition as an important step towards addressing the country’s political and economic challenges.
Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai said opposition members had reached consensus on a single point despite what he described as an atmosphere of political suffocation.
“Today is a day of happiness and congratulations,” Achakzai said, expressing hope that the alliance would play a significant role in restoring Pakistan’s lost stature.
He said political forces must work to address the problems facing ordinary citizens, particularly those struggling to secure food and employment. He also prayed for the strength to help steer the country out of its current difficulties.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed the establishment of the joint opposition an important development, saying parties sitting on the opposition benches had decided to work together as a unified opposition.
Expressing concern over the country’s security situation, Fazlur Rehman said the nation was witnessing bloodshed while rulers were walking on “red carpets.” He warned that deterioration in law and order would have a serious impact on the economy.
Referring to India’s economic progress, he said Pakistan needed to reassess its national priorities and formulate policies aimed at strengthening the country’s economy.
Fazlur Rehman also raised questions about Pakistan’s standing in international judicial rankings and called for improvements in the justice system.
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He opposed proposals for dividing provinces, saying the move could further deepen mistrust among the people. He also referred to the situation in Kashmir and called for a political solution to the country’s prevailing challenges.
The JUI-F chief called for improving the political environment and releasing political prisoners. He described the joint opposition’s first meeting and its demands as the first step in a broader political journey, pledging that opposition parties would work for political stability and peace.
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also welcomed the formation of the alliance, describing it as a positive development.
He expressed concern over increasing lawlessness, saying people were increasingly feeling insecure and that the safety of their lives and property could not be guaranteed.
Nasir Abbas also alleged that the sanctity of homes and the dignity and honour of citizens were being violated. Referring to the alleged killing of Hina Javed, he said such incidents reflected growing insecurity in society.
He also raised concerns about the situation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Dr Yasmin Rashid and criticised what he described as the treatment being meted out to her.
Speaking about PTI founder Imran Khan, Nasir Abbas claimed that the Supreme Court had ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital but that the order had not been implemented.
The opposition leaders reiterated their commitment to working together in parliament and adopting a unified strategy on matters concerning the public, as well as political, economic and constitutional issues.
They said the joint opposition would continue to raise a collective voice in parliament and seek political stability, peace and solutions to the country’s pressing challenges.
