In about-face, joint opposition retracts threat to disrupt OIC moot

Hours after threatening to disrupt an upcoming OIC meeting in Islamabad, the joint opposition on Saturday backtracked on its statement and pledged that they would not “allow in any way” the country’s internal political crisis to affect the moot of Islamic countries.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had threatened to block OIC conference, scheduled to take place on March 22-23 in the federal capital, if no-trust vote against Prime Minister Imran Khan is delayed by the National Assembly speaker earlier today.

"We want Monday's [National Assembly] session to start with no-confidence motion but if it is not summoned by Monday then we will stage a sit-in the house... we will then see how you will be able to organise the OIC conference," announced PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto at a joint press conference flanked by Shehbaz, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other opposition leaders.

Reacting to this, the federal ministers warned joint opposition against disrupting OIC huddle, expressing hope that “Bilawal won't become a tool to fulfil the Indian agenda of sabotaging the crucial meeting”.

Also read: Qureshi, Rashid warn opposition against disrupting OIC moot

The opposition, in a joint statement issued late Saturday, said it would warmly welcome the foreign ministers, delegates and other dignitaries of the Islamic world to Pakistan on the occasion of the 48th meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers.

They said the arrival of distinguished guests is a source of joy and pride for them, and added that that they look forward to welcoming the “esteemed guests”.

The opposition also appreciated the “spirit and determination” of OIC officials that they were coming to Islamabad to deliberate upon the important issues facing the Islamic world, including Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Palestine.

“Representing the people of Pakistan, the United Opposition assured that the whole of Pakistan would warmly welcome the participants on their arrival,” read the communiqué.

During their stay in Islamabad, a conducive atmosphere in accordance with the traditional spirit of hospitality, respect and zeal would be ensured, they said. The opposition pledged to do its utmost to create an atmosphere in which the distinguished guests will be able to carry out their activities with full attention, dedication and determination.

They pointed out that to welcome and honour the distinguished guests of the OIC members countries, the joint opposition changed the dates of the long march and directed its workers not to come to Islamabad before March 25.

“The Joint Opposition hope that the stay of esteemed guests in Islamabad would be pleasant and they will return home with good memories.”