A photo of Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. SCREENGRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan on Wednesday urged the government to take the opposition and parliament into confidence on defence pacts and policies amid the changing regional situation, stressing that national security decisions must be taken with consensus.
The demand was listed in a resolution that was passed during a joint parliamentary meeting of the PTI and other opposition parties at the Parliament House in Islamabad, according to a post on the TTAP’s X account. The resolution included demands pertaining to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The resolution also demanded immediate release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, in addition to expressing “deep concern” over the situation in the region and condemned US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
National Assembly Leader of Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai chaired the meeting.
According to sources, members discussed the situation in Iran and agreed to introduce a resolution in support of Iran in both the National Assembly and the Senate. The text of the resolution prepared by Latif Khosa was appreciated by participants.
The meeting also discussed legislative procedures and the opposition’s role in parliamentary committees. During the discussion, Sher Ali Arbab expressed reservations about how the committees were functioning.
He said the opposition was not getting adequate opportunities to present its stance effectively, adding that if returning to the committees was not possible, resigning from the assemblies could also be considered.
Sources said that a majority of members supported returning to parliamentary committees, while a few participants suggested keeping the option of resignations under consideration.
Later, in a unanimously passed resolution, the parliamentary party reiterated its stance that the cases in which former prime minister Imran Khan has been imprisoned are politically motivated and baseless, and should be resolved through the judicial process.
The resolution expressed serious concern over Imran Khan’s health condition while he is detained at Adiala Jail, noting that he has reportedly been shifted twice for treatment to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences due to a lack of adequate medical facilities in prison.
It also pointed out the absence of a retina specialist at the hospital and claimed that despite deterioration in the vision of his right eye, access to his personal physicians and family members remained restricted.
In view of his deteriorating health and the need for immediate medical attention, it demanded his immediate release under Rules 143, 145, 146, 197 and 795 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, read with Section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, citing precedents where similar relief had been granted to a convicted former prime minister.
The resolution also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the region and strongly condemned the attacks carried out against Iran by the United States and Israel, describing them as a clear violation of international law and state sovereignty.
The meeting emphasized that every sovereign state has the fundamental right to self-defence and stressed that respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law is essential for global peace and stability. It also urged Muslim countries not to allow their territory, airspace or resources to be used against another state under external pressure.
Participants expressed grief over the martyrdom of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and others, paid tribute to them, and condemned all incidents targeting civilian populations.
The meeting also expressed concern over rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and urged both countries to resolve their differences through patience and diplomatic engagement while ensuring the protection of civilian lives and property.
It further called for the dignified treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said there was serious concern within the parliamentary party regarding Imran Khan’s health, adding that nearly 100 members of parliament had expressed reservations over the issue. He said a resolution concerning Imran Khan’s health would be presented in the National Assembly.
Separately, British High Commissioner in Pakistan Jane Marriott also visited Parliament House and met Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the opposition chamber, where they discussed matters of mutual interest and the current political situation.
