TTAP courts JUI-F, JI and QWP as political tensions rise

Leaders of an opposition parties' alliance — the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) — on Tuesday met with leaders of three political parties — the JUI-F, the JI and the QWP — to invite them to their upcoming National Consultative Conference scheduled for December 20-21.

In an emergency meeting called on December 10 in the wake of a police action on PTI founder Imran Khan's family members outside Adiala Jail, the TTAP had decided to organize a conference in order to discuss the political climate, constitutional matters, and restrictions imposed on meeting with Imran.

The alliance had then also announced inviting opposition parties, bar councils, and human rights organisations to the conference and on Tuesday a TTAP delegation met with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, JI leader Liaquat Baloch and QWP chief Aftan Ahmed Khan Sherpao to invite them to the event.

A delegation including Asad Qaiser, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Shehryar Khan Tareen, Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai, and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry met Fazl at his residence in Islamabad.

During the meeting, comprehensive discussions were held on the country's political situation, the supremacy of the Constitution, democratic stability, and national unity, according to an official statement. There was no word, however, on the JUI-F's response to the invitation.

Earlier, TTAP leaders called on the JI leadership in Islamabad. The opposition's delegation included Asad Qaiser and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, while the JI was represented by Deputy Ameer Liaqat Baloch, Mian Aslam, Nasrullah Randhawa and Zubair Safdar.

The two sides held detailed discussions on the country's political situation, democracy, and the supremacy of the Constitution.

Addressing a joint press conference, Asad Qaiser said that the JI had been invited to the national conference because of its significant role in politics. He said the direction in which the country is heading is dangerous for national interests.

Qaiser termed the denial of a meeting with Imran Khan illegal and a violation of court orders, adding that the PTI is a responsible political party.

Liaqat Baloch welcomed the opposition alliance and said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and that the invitation to the national conference would be conveyed to the party chief.

He said Pakistan is being deprived of basic human rights, the country is facing a severe economic crisis, and the existing hybrid system has failed.

He added that despite the prime minister's foreign visits, ground realities remain unchanged and the common man is facing severe hardships.

Baloch stressed that economic stability is not possible without political stability and that the need of the hour is unity among opposition parties.

He also emphasized resolving relations with Afghanistan through dialogue, eliminating terrorism, and ensuring peace in the region.

The delegation also met the QWP chief.

Asad Qaiser, while speaking to the media alongside Aftab Ahmed Sherpao, stated that the conference scheduled for December 20 and 21 aims to deliberate on the deteriorating condition of democracy in the country. He said the 1973 Constitution grants the people the right to vote, but today this right has effectively been eliminated.

Sherpao accepted the invitation to the conference and said he would consult his party in this regard.

He said that political stability in Pakistan has come to an end and that without political stability, the country cannot progress. He urged all political parties to collectively play their role in steering the country out of crisis.

Speaking on the occasion, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said after the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, discussions are now underway regarding a 28th constitutional amendment.

He said the 27th amendment weakened the judiciary, while the proposed 28th amendment could cause further harm to the country.

"All stakeholders are being invited to the national conference, where the 28th constitutional amendment will also be discussed in detail," he said.