Opposition decides to consult on govt's proposal for APC: Fazl
“Opposition parties have decided to consult among themselves on the government’s proposal to convene an All Parties Conference (APC), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Wedn…”
Addressing a press conference alongside opposition leaders, Fazlur Rehman said democratic and political forces believe in negotiations and that the opposition does not oppose the dialogue process in principle. However, he expressed concern that the government’s attitude was narrowing the space for meaningful negotiations in the future.
The JUI chief also said that long marches and protests are legitimate political and democratic rights. If Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) decides to march towards Islamabad, he said, it should, in principle, be allowed. The JUI chief said he held a brief meeting with opposition parties to discuss the prevailing political situation, which he described as “unbalanced.”
He added that the government’s approach towards the opposition also needed to be taken into consideration. Fazlur Rehman stressed that negotiations should be conducted in a political manner and without interference from ‘behind-the-scenes forces.’ He said meaningful talks could only succeed on the basis of give-and-take.
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Regarding the government’s proposal for an APC, Fazlur Rehman said he would consult his party, while opposition parties should also examine the proposal in detail. He said that if the APC is convened, all political parties should jointly formulate a common agenda and plan of action.
Such an initiative, he added, could help create moderation in the country’s political environment and provide a platform to resolve national issues through dialogue. “We are all equal Pakistanis,” Fazlur Rehman said, stressing that no one’s loyalty should be questioned.
He added that the opposition stood by the Constitution and the state and would move forward in the national interest. Meanwhile, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said he had come to invite political parties to the proposed APC.
He expressed concern over the country’s economic and law-and-order situation and called on politicians to sit together and find solutions to the challenges facing the country.-
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