Fazlur Rehman calls for consensus as opposition proposes APC amid PTI long march

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for political consensus as opposition leaders proposed convening an all-parties conference (APC) amid concerns over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.

Opposition leaders met Fazlur Rehman to discuss the country’s current political situation, talks between the government and opposition, and the future political strategy.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Fazlur Rehman said the opposition leaders had proposed holding an APC.

He said the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) had invited all political parties to attend the conference.

Fazlur Rehman said all political parties should hold the APC with a common understanding and agenda to find a consensus-based way forward to address the country’s issues.

Fazlur Rehman backs dialogue

Fazlur Rehman said the country’s political situation was extremely difficult and the government’s attitude had left little room for dialogue.

He said political and democratic forces believed in negotiations and that talks should be conducted in a political manner.

According to Fazlur Rehman, negotiations should take place between politicians, adding that in politics, one side has to accept some demands while the other side has to accept others.

He said he was not part of the recent talks between the government and opposition but did not oppose negotiations in principle.

He stressed the need for moderation in dealing with political issues.

‘We stand with Pakistan and Constitution’

The JUI-F chief said Pakistan belonged to everyone and all political forces should stand with the country and the Constitution.

He said there was a growing intensity in political attitudes on all sides and political parties needed to play their role in improving the situation.

Fazlur Rehman said politicians had a responsibility to help improve the country’s situation.

He also recalled that his party had held long marches in the past, but said they were conducted peacefully and democratically.

Opposition calls for common political platform

Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the TTAP was inviting all political parties to attend the APC.

He said political parties should resolve their differences through dialogue and that Pakistan’s problems could also be addressed through talks.

He said all political parties would work on a common agenda through the APC.

Salman Akram Raja stresses dialogue

PTI leader Salman Akram Raja said there should be communication between the people and the government.

He said Pakistan was facing inflationary pressures and the APC would also discuss ways to address public issues.

Raja said PTI was fighting for the rights of the Pakistani people and that opposition parties had no disagreement on basic principles.

He alleged that a distance had been created between the people and the state through the use of force.

Raja said negotiations had temporarily failed but added that every issue would ultimately have to be resolved through dialogue.

He said PTI founder Imran Khan’s struggle was a struggle for the Constitution and the rule of law.

Fazlur Rehman opposes governor’s rule in KP

The issue of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also discussed during the meeting.

According to sources, Fazlur Rehman did not support imposing governor’s rule in the province.

The opposition leaders stressed the need to reduce political tensions, resume dialogue and bring all political forces together on a common platform.

Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, former National Assembly speaker and PTI leader Asad Qaiser and other opposition leaders attended the meeting.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Muhammad Aslam Ghori, Senator Kamran Murtaza and Akhunzada Hussain were also present.