Joint opposition announces strategy against economic crisis, political repression

ISLAMABAD: The joint opposition held its first parliamentary meeting at Parliament House on Monday and announced a collective strategy to address violence, the economic crisis and political repression.

The meeting was attended by opposition party leaders, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and others.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, the JUI-F chief said opposition parties had agreed to play a joint role in parliament and stressed that collective strategies and actions would be pursued through mutual consultation.

He said it was not the time to divide the provinces, warning that such a move would only increase mistrust among the federating units.

“We completely agree that this is absolutely not the time to divide the provinces; neither is the environment conducive to it nor is there any prior preparation.”

“Dividing the provinces will increase unrest,” he said, claiming that the 18th Amendment had become a “thorn in the throat” of the establishment.

He said all opposition parties agreed that Pakistan, at the state level, could not afford the prevailing situation. “People are also on the streets in Kashmir,” he said, alleging that violence was being used instead of addressing public grievances.

Fazl also called for the release of prisoners and the creation of a positive political environment.

He described the day as a “blessed day” and said lawmakers sitting on the opposition benches had decided to act as a joint opposition.

“We are together today in view of the law and order situation in the country,” he said. “On one side, our land is red with blood, while on the other, our rulers are walking on red carpets during foreign tours.”

He said the deteriorating law and order situation was also severely affecting the national economy. Referring to Pakistan’s rivalry with India, he said the two countries often talked about war and competition, while India had now become the world’s fourth-largest economy. He also questioned Pakistan’s standing in international judicial rankings.

Addressing the press conference, Achakzai said the opposition’s unity was a positive development, adding that opposition members had reached an agreement despite the “suffocating atmosphere” in parliament.

“It is a day of happiness and facilitation,” he said, expressing hope that the alliance would play an important role in restoring Pakistan’s lost glory.

“Today, there is unrest and bloodshed across the country, with more than 100 people losing their lives every day, yet no one seems to be paying any attention.

“The Constitution clearly lays down the procedure for creating provinces. In contrast, creating provinces through an executive order, in the same way that districts are created, would amount to an attack on the foundations of Pakistan.

“We warn those forces that if you do so, you will not be able to stop the people of Pakistan, and everyone will take to the streets. Pakistan can no longer afford to tolerate such circumstances,” he asserted.

“The poor are crying out for food, people are worried about employment, children are being deprived of basic necessities, and the education system is being ruined,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abbas said the opposition’s unity during the month marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a good sign.

“We are cultivating enmities instead of friendships,” he alleged, adding that the lives of citizens were not secure.

He also alleged that the sanctity of the home and the privacy of families were being violated and said that the honour and dignity of citizens were not protected.

Referring to the condition of incarcerated PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid, he said her situation was known to everyone. He also claimed that the Supreme Court had ordered the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, but alleged that the law and judicial decisions were being ignored.

Barrister Gohar said leaders of opposition parties had met and agreed to remain united.

“All opposition parties will adopt a common position in parliament,” he said, adding that they would speak with one voice on law and order, inflation and Pakistan’s relations with other countries.

He said the PTI had assured the JUI-F that it would give it full support.

On the question of provincial restructuring, he said no constitutional amendment concerning the provinces could be made overnight, stressing the need for consultation and consensus.