ISLAMABAD: A joint meeting of the parliamentary parties of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Thursday reviewed preparations for February 8 “Black Day” and demanded immediate release of PTI founder chairman Imran Khan.
The meeting was held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House here, with opposition alliance leaders especially invited. Attendees included Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, TTAP Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Vice Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and General Secretary Asad Qaiser were among the speakers.
The meeting discussed the overall political, security and provincial situation in detail and was attended by members of the Senate, National and provincial assemblies and other party leaders.
Discussions included matters related to Imran Khan’s health and the strategy for February 8. The recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan were strongly condemned, with deep sorrow expressed over the martyrdom of security forces and innocent civilians.
Participants extended heartfelt condolences to the families of martyrs and reiterated the nation’s unity in the struggle against terrorism. Serious concern was expressed over reports regarding Imran’s health, with the meeting stating that such news has created anxiety across the country.
The meeting demanded Imran be granted immediate and full access to his doctors, that meetings with him resume without delay and that he be released immediately.The recent meeting between the KP CM and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed, as was the resolve to solve the province’s problems. The meeting demanded the federation immediately clear all outstanding dues owed to the KP province, particularly under the NFC Award, Net Hydel Profit (NHP) and Indus River-related payments, to enable practical solutions for the people. It stressed the federation must play its effective constitutional role.
Tribute was paid to the exemplary sacrifices made by the tribal districts for the country, with the resolve that these sacrifices will not be in vain. Immediate rehabilitation and full compensation for families displaced from the Tirah Valley due to severe weather were demanded.
The meeting fully supported the decisions of Khyber Jirga and demanded all relevant institutions play an active role in establishing lasting peace and effectively resolving public issues in the tribal districts.
It was resolved to further intensify the street movement to ensure an effective and peaceful shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on February 8. The participants made it clear that the public mandate was stolen on that date last year, and people will voluntarily close their shops to peacefully protest this injustice. After Maghrib prayers, torch-bearing rallies will be taken out.
The meeting strongly condemned the arrests of party workers and raids on homes in Sindh and Punjab, noting such tactics are a clear negation of democracy, the Constitution and fundamental human rights.
The meeting concluded with the resolve that the PTI will continue its grassroots struggle to protect the constitutional, democratic and political rights of the people.On the Kashmir Day, it was stated that “the pain of Kashmiris is our pain. We were with Kashmiris, are with them and will remain with them. Their freedom is our voice. A solution is necessary not only for Kashmir but also for peace in South Asia. We support their struggle until Kashmir’s freedom.”
Earlier, Barrister Gohar told the media outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House that action would be taken against Senator Mashal Yousafzai for using inappropriate language against the sisters of the PTI founder, stating such behaviour is intolerable and has no place in the party.
