Opposition intensifies anti-govt efforts

Alliance leaders invite JI to join their protest movement

LAHORE:

The opposition parties have intensified their alliance’s efforts to launch a unified anti-government movement -- focused on upholding the Constitution and ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law in the country.

A delegation, led by Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who is also the president of the opposition alliance, the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain (TTA), and including former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser of the PTI, on Saturday extended an invitation to Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to join the anti-government protest movement.

During the meeting at the JI’s headquarters in Mansoora, Hafiz Naeem said his party stood prepared to collaborate on any initiative aimed at restoring the Constitution.

He criticised the current government, claiming it was established through a flawed process involving Form-47.

The JI chief said the country was in crisis and urged everyone to play their role in upholding the Constitution.

The meeting also served as a platform for the opposition leaders to discuss the current political landscape and to chalk out a strategy for the anti-government movement.

The JI chief expressed his concern over the repeated violations of the Constitution, thanking the TTA delegation for inviting him to join the movement.

Achakzai emphasised that the goal of the movement was to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution.

“Our aim is neither power, nor to change the faces in the corridors of power. We are forming a coalition to unite the opposition for the protection of the Constitution. It should not be treated merely as a piece of paper.”

Achakzai announced plans for a seminar on May 8 to raise awareness about the importance of the movement and protection of the Constitution.

He invited the JI to participate in the seminar to further discuss the goals of the movement.

Hafiz Naeem accepted the invitation, assuring the delegation of the JI's participation in the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Qaiser reiterated the need for constitutional supremacy, saying that the movement aimed to address the “rigging” in the elections.

“We have been disgraced worldwide. A fake government was established under Form-47 with our seats distributed among other parties. The Election Commission [of Pakistan] has completely failed to fulfil its role," he concluded.

Speaking to the media after the meeting alongside other opposition leaders, the JI chief appreciated the army chief's stance on upholding constitutional boundaries, expressing hope that the institution would adhere to these principles both in word and deed.

A statement read that he suggested that if political parties and institutions were willing to abide by the Constitution, a significant dialogue could take place.

However, he stressed the need for restoring the public mandate, which would serve as the foundation for this dialogue to kick off.

Read Opposition alliance not against army: Achakzai

"We will never accept a government formed on a fraudulent mandate,” he added, while also demanding the establishment of a judicial inquiry commission to investigate the election “rigging”.
 

Responding to queries, he said the JI’s ultimatum to the Punjab government regarding the reassessment of its decision on the lack of procurement of wheat from farmers would conclude on the upcoming Tuesday.

Hafiz Naeem vowed that the JI would compel the government to review its decision through peaceful protests.