Opposition suspends talks with govt until meeting with Imran Khan is allowed

The Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) has ruled out talks with the government until a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan is allowed and information about his health is provided.

The opposition alliance took the decision at a meeting of its leaders at the residence of chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Thursday. It also decided that Achakzai alone would have the authority to negotiate on its behalf.

The meeting focused on the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following the imposition of governor’s rule and an emergency in the province.

In a strongly worded statement, the alliance rejected the government’s decision, describing it as an attack on the Constitution and the public mandate. It called for the measures to be withdrawn and said it would challenge the decision in the Peshawar High Court.

The alliance said the move was an affront to the people of KP as well as those living in other provinces.

On security matters, the TTAP condemned terrorism and sectarian violence.

The opposition alliance reiterated its backing for the National Action Plan but called on the authorities to implement the joint resolution of the Aman Jirga, approved by the KP Assembly, instead of introducing new policies.

The participants also demanded the release of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar. Their demand extended to all detained members of the National and provincial assemblies and other political leaders.