PTI says ‘Form 47’ govt lacks mandate to reshape country's governance structure

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said on Monday that the incumbent “Form 47” government had no mandate to reshape the country’s governance structure, adding that the party would welcome anyone willing to ally with it “in principle” on the issue.

Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’, Raja said the recent discussions with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman at the latter’s residence were based “on principle”.

“We all agreed that whatever has happened to this country over the past four years was against everyone’s wishes and expectations. In terms of the rule of law and the Constitution, the country has fallen into a deep ditch,” the PTI secretary general said.

“At this point, if someone feels that we are not where we were expected to be four years ago, whatever the reason, we need to consider the current situation objectively. Anyone can join us in principle,” he added.

Raja cautioned against altering the country’s federal system, describing discussions about an overhaul of the country’s entire structure as “hazardous”.

“The Form 47 assembly has no mandate to revamp the country’s system or governance structures,” he reiterated.

The senior PTI leader said any party that agreed with the PTI “in principle” on these issues could ally with it.

“Any political party that wants to strengthen the system, liberate the judiciary and reject rule by force in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan or elsewhere can join us,” he said.

“It does not matter what our past was. We are very clear about our principles and our goal. We will welcome anyone who can go with us to some extent. A party can also end its journey with us. We are not depending on anyone,” he added.

Regarding the PTI’s call for a long march on Sept 27, Raja said the party would not stop any political party from joining it and would welcome those that did.

“Decisions will be taken at party forums — the core and political committees. If a party expresses its willingness to join the march, we will assess its goals and purpose,” he said.

Last week, the JUI-F chief also held a meeting with National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and other opposition leaders, announcing the formation of a “united opposition”.

During the meeting, the leaders agreed to continue “further consultations among opposition parties” and formulate a joint course of action.

Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is an ally of the government, also met with the opposition leaders and agreed to maintain contact and cooperate on legislative matters in the parliament.