ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital) Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has offered to hold negotiations with the government on all issues concerning a democratic Pakistan, while demanding permission to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
Addressing a press conference outside Parliament alongside Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other opposition leaders, Achakzai said the opposition was prepared to engage in dialogue to strengthen democracy and uphold the Constitution.
He offered a written assurance that the delegation would not disclose details of its conversation with Imran Khan after the meeting.
Achakzai rejected claims that he was unwilling to meet the government, saying he was ready for talks at various venues but would not hold meetings at the Prime Minister’s House or the Speaker’s Office.
Achakzai strongly criticised the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the decision as a serious attack on constitutional and democratic principles.
He accused the government of restricting the opposition’s political space and alleged that the public mandate had been undermined. He warned that those responsible for violating the Constitution could face legal consequences under Article 6, which deals with high treason.
The opposition leader also questioned the federal government’s justification for imposing governor’s rule in KP, arguing that conditions in Balochistan were more serious and required equal scrutiny.
He alleged that large parts of Balochistan had become inaccessible areas for security forces and accused the provincial administration of failing to adequately address problems in the region.
Achakzai announced that opposition parties would organise peaceful protests across the country, beginning the following day, according to their respective organisational capacities.
He said demonstrations would be held in districts not directly affected by the emergency measures, adding that the opposition would continue both political resistance and negotiations.
He further claimed that the voting rights of approximately 40 million people had been disregarded and argued that Pakistan could make progress only through a strong parliament and respect for democratic representation.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan described October 11 as a dark day in Pakistan’s democratic history and rejected the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He alleged that the provincial chief minister had been held in custody and criticised the sudden changes to the provincial administrative structure.
Gohar said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa opposed the measures and demanded their immediate withdrawal. He also urged the government not to divide the public in the name of counterterrorism.
The PTI chairman announced that the party’s parliamentary group would meet the following day to decide its future course of action. He said the party would raise its objections through every available forum.
Emphasising the importance of federalism, Gohar argued that the federation could become stronger only when its constituent provinces were politically and constitutionally empowered.
He added that government and opposition representatives had remained in contact until shortly before the decision was announced.
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas criticised what he described as attempts to undermine the Constitution and portray political workers as terrorists.
He called for collective efforts to address terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging political stakeholders to work alongside the province’s residents rather than deepen political divisions.
Abbas also questioned why emergency measures had not been considered for Balochistan, where he claimed the security situation was more severe.
He warned that the political and constitutional crisis could worsen without public support and meaningful engagement among political stakeholders.
The opposition leaders’ statements indicate that they intend to pursue negotiations alongside peaceful protests against the measures imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Their demands include access to Imran Khan, withdrawal of the emergency measures and greater respect for parliamentary authority and provincial autonomy.
The government’s response to the opposition’s offer of dialogue, along with any legal challenges to governor’s rule, will be important developments in the unfolding political dispute.
