Achakzai, Abbas to lead talks with govt
A grand opposition alliance on Thursday formally empowered leaders of the opposition in the National Assembly and the Senate to hold negotiations on its behalf with the government and their decisions would be binding after an eight-hour huddle, even as the PTI hardened its position that Imran Khan remains the sole axis of Pakistan's politics and any "minus-Imran" formula will be resisted.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the opposition parliamentary parties held under the chairmanship of National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, with more than 70 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers from the National Assembly and the Senate in attendance, followed by a joint news conference addressed by senior opposition leaders, including Barrister Gohar.
The parliamentary parties of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) passed a resolution granting full authority to Mahmood Kham Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead negotiations on behalf of the alliance.
The resolution stated that both leaders had been authorised to take all decisions regarding talks, and that any decision by Mahmood Khan Achakzai would be binding on all parliamentary party members.
Opening the news conference after the long meeting, Achakzai said the meeting was held amid concerns over Imran Khan's health, restricted access, and the treatment of political detainees.
He said discussions also covered inflation, economic instability and worsening law and order, adding that the alliance would continue its struggle through constitutional means without personal attacks.
He said democratic institutions, including Parliament, had been weakened over time, and stressed that the alliance's objective was to restore constitutional order.
Speaking at the news conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the meeting's "one-point agenda" was securing access to and the release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
He said participants expressed serious concern over restrictions on meetings with Khan, alleging that his family, lawyers and party leadership were being denied access. He termed the treatment "illegal, unconstitutional and inhumane," and called for urgent hearings of PTI-related cases in accordance with law.
Gohar said there was complete consensus that Imran Khan remained central to Pakistan's political landscape, adding that the party rejected any "minus-Imran" formula.
He clarified that no discussion had taken place on PTI lawmakers returning to parliamentary standing committees, saying the focus remained entirely on Khan's access, legal situation and political future.
He said PTI existed in Parliament because of Imran Khan and warned that any attempt to sideline him politically would be strongly resisted. He also announced planned protests at district headquarters against inflation and in support of Khan's release.
Addressing reports of a petition regarding the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister's position, Gohar dismissed it as a political matter, alleging it was part of a conspiracy. He said only Imran Khan had the authority to decide party leadership matters and described the chief ministerial arrangement as "irreversible" politically, legally and constitutionally.
Opposition Leader in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas said the country was facing a severe political, economic and security crisis, with inflation, unemployment and poverty placing an unbearable burden on citizens.
He said dialogue should not be seen as weakness but as a necessity to restore constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. He also demanded the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan and party workers, and criticised shrinking space for political dissent.