Opposition Parties Form Unified Alliance in Parliament, Agree on Joint Stand on National Issues
ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties in Parliament have formally formed a united alliance and agreed to adopt a joint position on major national issues, legislation, judicial matters, democracy, constitutional supremacy and appointments to the Election Commission.
The development was announced at a joint press conference attended by leaders of the opposition parties. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the development as a positive step and said opposition parties had unanimously decided to play the role of a joint opposition.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, Fazlur Rehman said the country was facing serious challenges while insecurity was also damaging the national economy. He said, “On one side our land is stained with blood, while on the other our rulers are walking on red carpets.”
On proposals regarding the creation of new provinces, Fazlur Rehman said this was not the right time to divide existing provinces, arguing that such a move would further increase mistrust. He also described the 18th Amendment as a major point of contention for powerful circles.
Fazlur Rehman demanded the release of political prisoners and called for creating a better political environment in the country. He said prisons were filled with political prisoners and that improving the political climate was essential.
He alleged that the current government had been formed through electoral manipulation and could not enhance Pakistan’s standing either domestically or internationally. He said the opposition was united in demanding the immediate release of political prisoners and the restoration of constitutional and legal supremacy.
Speaking at the press conference, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief and head of the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, called the development a “very happy and important day.”
Achakzai said the opposition had announced a joint struggle for the restoration of the Constitution and judiciary and for strengthening Parliament. He expressed hope that the alliance would help Pakistan overcome its current difficulties.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar said all allied opposition parties had presented proposals on how to put pressure on the government through parliamentary and political means.
He said the opposition would no longer raise issues separately in the National Assembly and Senate but would speak with a united voice. He added that the alliance would seek common positions on Kashmir, the judiciary, the economy, provincial issues, terrorism and the release of prisoners.
Barrister Gohar said the opposition leaders had placed their trust in Maulana Fazlur Rehman and agreed to move forward together on national issues.
