JUI-F looks to join opposition ranks

Islamabad - Representatives of the joint opposition, comprising the JUI-F and TTAP, convened on Friday to chart their course for the future. They reached consensus on the establishment of a joint opposition platform within Parliament to address pivotal national concerns more effectively. After the meeting at his residence, JUI-F leader Fazlur Rehman voiced apprehension over the nation's deteriorating law and order, citing two provinces grappling with war-like conditions and the government's authority being contested.

Esteemed attendees included TTAP leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, alongside PTI leaders Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, and Aamir Dogar. The JUI-F contingent comprised Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Senator Dilawar Khan, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Maulana Abdul Wasay, and others.

Reiterating the dire circumstances, Rehman lamented the miserable lives of citizens, underscoring the constant feeling of insecurity and the government's inability to deliver on security assurances. He also lamented the adverse impact on traders in the tribal areas and the closure of Pakistan's western border, denying the region of vital trade and business prospects.

Referring to China, Rehman criticized Pakistan's deteriorating relations and its rising isolation, criticizing the government's narrative on national affairs while asserting that the nation faced formidable challenges that could not be resolved through political distractions. Regarding demands for the formation of new provinces, Rehman dismissed the notion as lacking any groundwork or preparation.

He proposed that the opposition should present its position directly to the people. The opposition's call for dialogue, in response to the Prime Minister's invitation, was met with a remark that "it takes two hands to clap." Rehman emphasized that the government's actions contradicted the interests of the populace. He asserted that opposition representatives would consult their respective parties before convening another meeting to deliberate on the next steps.

During the event, Achakzai, also the leader of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, cautioned against efforts to seize control of the country's resources, warning that should the situation persist and political forces be pushed to a breaking point, he would be prepared to seek recourse in international courts. In his address, Abbas accused the government of disregarding the rule of law, including defying the Supreme Court by transporting PTI founder Imran Khan to Pims instead of Shifa International Hospital.

Abbas denounced the country's governance as an affront to the rule of law, stating that a nation devoid of respect for laws could not be deemed a functioning state. Asad Qaiser and Salman Akram Raja criticized the government, primarily addressing the recent mishap surrounding the PTI leader's hospital check-up.