Islamabad: Opposition leaders from Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema i Islam Fazl (JUI F) and Tehreek i Tahafuz i Ayin i Pakistan (TTAP) agreed on Wednesday to form committees for parliamentary coordination and consultations on a multi party conference (MPC).
The decision followed a meeting at JUI F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence in Islamabad, where the parties discussed the federal government's imposition of emergency measures and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), constitutional rights and opposition cooperation. National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser attended the meeting alongside other party representatives.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Achakzai said the opposition intended to strengthen Parliament through collective action. He condemned what he described as a campaign against Fazlur Rehman and said he supported the JUI F leader.
The parties agreed to establish separate committees to address differences between PTI and JUI F and prepare consultations for a multi-party conference. The proposed gathering would give opposition parties a platform to develop a common position on political and constitutional matters.
KP emergency remains a point of dispute
The meeting followed the federal government's decision on 11 October to impose emergency measures and governor's rule in KP, previously governed by PTI. The Centre has defended the intervention, citing security concerns and alleging that the provincial administration had disengaged from counterterrorism efforts.
Opposition leaders have challenged the decision, arguing that it undermines the provincial mandate and raises questions about federal authority. Fazlur Rehman also raised concerns about provincial control over resources, referring to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Gwadar and Sindh's islands. He maintained that the constitutional framework should protect provincial rights.
The disagreement has strained relations between JUI F and the federal government, particularly after Fazl accused the Centre of failing to honour commitments made during earlier mediation efforts.
PTI raises concerns over Imran Khan's health
Separately, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja expressed concern over the health of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan. In a statement, PTI claimed Khan's blood pressure had reached 192 and demanded his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment under the supervision of his personal physicians.
The party accused the government of restricting access to medical care and family members. The government has previously rejected allegations of inadequate treatment, maintaining that Khan receives necessary medical facilities at Adiala jail. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 in connection with multiple cases.
Wednesday's meeting builds on consultations initiated in August between Fazlur Rehman and Achakzai over forming a united opposition. The committees are expected to continue discussions on the proposed conference and identify areas of agreement between the parties. Whether these consultations lead to a broader parliamentary alliance will depend on their ability to resolve existing differences and agree on a common political strategy.
