ISLAMABAD: Opposition leaders on Wednesday agreed to strengthen their alliance and parliamentary coordination, while forming committees to resolve differences and take forward consultations on a multi-party conference (MPC).
The decision was taken at a meeting between JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and leaders of the Tehreek-iTahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) opposition alliance.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai said the delegation had called on the Maulana to discuss building an alliance aimed at strengthening parliament.
He condemned an ongoing ‘character assassination campaign’ against the JUI-F chief and said the opposition stood firmly with him. He added that the possibility of convening an MPC had also been discussed.
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas alleged that governor’s rule had been imposed illegally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and accused the authorities of targeting those who raised their voices for the country’s welfare.
He said the sanctity of homes and citizens’ privacy were being violated and people were arrested after authorities had entered theirhouses.
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja thanked the Maulana for supporting the PTI and alleged that the JUI-F chief was being punished for standing with the opposition party.
Mr Raja said the opposition would work to strengthen its presence in parliament and protect the interests of all parts of the country.
Referring to the ex-tribal areas, he said his party had opposed their merger at the time, adding that the issue was now being linked to a struggle over resources.The Maulana said the opposition had already raised public concerns over governor’s rule and the imposition of emergency, stressing that it was speaking for the public mandate and national interests.
The leaders agreed to continue consultations and establish a committee to address differences among opposition parties.
Mr Raja also expressed concern over the health of PTI founder Imran Khan, claiming that his blood pressure was not under control.
Concerns over Imran’s health Meanwhile, the PTI also voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating health of its founder, revealing that his blood pressure had surged to 192 a day before his meeting with Barrister Salman Safdar.
It demanded his immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital for independent medical treatment under the supervision of his personal physicians.
PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said repeated fluctuations in Mr Khan’s blood pressure were a matter of extreme concern, stressing that protecting his health was the responsibility of the state.
He demanded immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s Aug 18 order directing Mr Khan’s transfer to the hospital, with treatment supervised by his personal and family-appointed doctors.
Separately, PTI Vice Chairman Shah MahmoodQureshi,whoisheldinLahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail, suffered injuries after fainting during a walk in his barrack.
His counsel, Barrister Taimur Malik, said Mr Qureshi was walking inside his barrack when he suddenly felt dizzy and fell to the ground. He said the former foreign minister sustained injuries to his body, including his knee and arm. The counsel said jail authorities had taken Mr Qureshi’s blood samples and sent them to Shaukat Khanum for examination.
With input from Mansoor Malik in Lahore