ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has said the opposition will not trust those who have made a mockery of political negotiations, insisting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif must personally extend an invitation if the government is serious about resuming dialogue.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and other opposition leaders, Achakzai questioned the government’s commitment to meaningful negotiations and called for a credible political process.
He said the opposition had previously demonstrated its willingness to engage in dialogue, including by seeking a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan. He cited Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s meeting with the prime minister as evidence of the opposition’s seriousness.
“Who will now trust those who have made a mockery of negotiations?” Achakzai asked, maintaining that any fresh initiative must come directly from the prime minister.
He said the opposition would not participate in talks conducted without seriousness or mutual respect.
Achakzai raises concerns over parliamentary rights
The opposition leader also criticised the handling of parliamentary proceedings, saying the preservation of lawmakers’ speeches was a constitutional requirement that allowed citizens to assess the conduct and positions of their elected representatives.
He said parliamentary speeches formed part of a nation’s political history and should be preserved accurately.
Achakzai alleged that his speech delivered a day earlier had been misrepresented, claiming that a four-and-a-half-minute address was presented as lasting nine minutes. He maintained that nothing in his remarks was directed against the country.
He also questioned the selective issuance of production orders for lawmakers, arguing that the National Assembly speaker must exercise authority strictly in accordance with parliamentary rules.
According to Achakzai, opposition members were being forced to struggle even for rights guaranteed under parliamentary procedures.
He called for an investigation into corruption allegations involving the present government and proposed that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif head a committee to examine the accusations.
Achakzai reiterated that the opposition would pursue its political struggle through democratic means, stressing the need for a strong parliament and institutions operating within their constitutional jurisdictions.
Raja Nasir Abbas calls for rule of law
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said Pakistan’s political and economic challenges could not be resolved without strengthening the rule of law and ensuring access to justice.
He argued that public confidence in state institutions had weakened considerably and accused the authorities of continuing to register politically motivated cases against opposition figures.
Abbas also alleged that the public mandate had been undermined, describing interference with voting rights as an attack on constitutional principles.
He said restoring trust between citizens and governing institutions required fair treatment, accountability and the consistent application of the law.
Barrister Gohar criticises treatment of PTI
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan rejected suggestions that his party lacked loyalty to the state, saying PTI had consistently placed Pakistan’s interests above political considerations.
He said opposition lawmakers were being treated as though their commitment to the country was questionable, despite repeatedly affirming their loyalty to Pakistan.
Gohar recalled that PTI had previously participated in negotiations with the government in good faith and without preconditions, but claimed those efforts had failed to produce meaningful results.
He also referred to concerns raised in September 2024 over the alleged detention of parliamentarians, saying the opposition had sought safeguards to ensure elected representatives could perform their duties without intimidation.
According to Gohar, a special parliamentary committee had been established to address lawmakers’ security and protection, but concerns over their treatment remained unresolved.
PTI alleges political victimisation in KP
Barrister Gohar accused the authorities of selectively removing PTI plaques and signboards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while leaving those associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz untouched.
He alleged that such actions were intended to undermine PTI’s political identity and were increasing public resentment.
Gohar questioned whether politically motivated transfers and the removal of party-associated plaques could legitimately be described as counterterrorism measures.
He said PTI supported action against terrorism but would oppose what it considered political victimisation carried out under the cover of security operations.
The PTI chairman reiterated his demand for a meeting with Imran Khan and raised concerns over the imprisonment of members of the former prime minister’s family, including his wife and other relatives.
He said the party would continue raising its voice for its founder and pursuing its political struggle through democratic means.
PTI backs counterterrorism efforts, rejects political retaliation
Addressing the security situation, Gohar described terrorism as a serious threat that must be eliminated through effective implementation of the National Action Plan.
He said PTI supported legitimate counterterrorism operations but warned against using the security situation to promote political hostility or target opposition parties.
The opposition leaders maintained that political stability required constitutional governance, protection of parliamentary rights and genuine dialogue between political stakeholders.
They reiterated that meaningful negotiations would require a clear initiative from the prime minister, while insisting that their political struggle would continue through constitutional and democratic channels.