An agreement was reached in principle on Thursday between Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai, and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to form a “united opposition,” according to a statement from Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) spokesperson.
The JUI-F chief met the two opposition leaders in the opposition chamber at Parliament House in Islamabad, where discussions covered the country’s current political situation, parliamentary affairs, cooperation among opposition parties, and future political strategy. Participants expressed concern over what they described as the government’s attitude and behaviour toward the opposition in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
According to the alliance, the meeting also examined the policies currently being pursued by the government, the role of the opposition in parliament, and the broader strategy for protecting the Constitution and democracy going forward. Fazl and Achakzai reportedly exchanged views on making contacts among opposition parties more effective and adopting a joint strategy at the parliamentary level. The two sides agreed to continue further consultations among opposition parties and formulate a joint course of action.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the JUI-F chief said it was the first such meeting between the opposition parties and that they had decided a united opposition would now be formed. He added that contacts among opposition parties would be strengthened and a joint strategy finalized, saying the possibility of holding an All Parties Conference should also be discussed.
