The Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has intensified its efforts to convene an all-parties conference (APC), with the opposition alliance planning to contact several political parties as consultations continue.
According to Samaa, the alliance has decided to approach the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Awami National Party (ANP), Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and other political groups after holding consultations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The development comes as opposition parties continue discussions over the proposed multiparty gathering and possible coordination on political and constitutional matters.
TTAP Expands Political Contacts
The opposition alliance has already invited the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) to participate in the proposed APC and has also contacted the leadership of the Awaam Pakistan Party.
JUI-F had earlier agreed to participate in the opposition’s planned multiparty conference following discussions with PTI representatives. The parties had discussed a joint approach to national issues and the strengthening of constitutional and democratic institutions.
The latest outreach to additional political parties is aimed at broadening participation in the proposed conference.
PPP Invited to Multiparty Conference
TTAP representatives also met PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari in Islamabad on Tuesday and formally invited the PPP to attend the proposed multiparty conference.
The PPP said it welcomed the invitation and would forward it to party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for a decision.
During the meeting, TTAP representatives briefed the PPP leadership on the objectives of the planned conference. Discussions also covered the political situation, constitutional supremacy, democratic institutions and contacts between political parties.
The PPP’s participation is notable because the party is currently an ally of the ruling PML-N at the federal level, while TTAP is seeking wider political participation in the proposed conference.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Also Expected to Be Contacted
Opposition leaders are also expected to meet former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as part of the ongoing consultations.
The discussions are taking place as TTAP works to finalise the participating parties, venue and schedule for the proposed gathering.
The opposition alliance had previously announced plans for a multiparty conference and called for contacts with political forces outside the alliance.
Shehbaz-Achakzai Meeting
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai are expected to meet after the prime minister returns to Pakistan.
Government sources cited by Samaa said the government would contact Achakzai to finalise the schedule.
The proposed meeting is expected to cover political issues, parliamentary affairs and the broader political situation.
The meeting would follow an invitation extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Achakzai for direct talks. Dawn reported on September 26 that the prime minister had invited the opposition leader for dialogue after the PTI postponed its planned protest march.
Constitutional and Parliamentary Issues
Achakzai has been expected to emphasise the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, as well as the need to strengthen Parliament.
Consultations between the government and opposition leadership have also previously been linked to the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner.
Under Article 213(2A) of the Constitution, the prime minister is required to consult the opposition leader before forwarding names for consideration in the appointment process.
Opposition Coordination Continues
TTAP’s latest contacts come as opposition parties prepare for further political activity, including the PTI’s rescheduled protest on October 4.
TTAP has said it will participate in the October 4 protest after the PTI postponed its earlier September 27 plan.
At the same time, the alliance is continuing its efforts to bring additional political parties into consultations over the proposed multiparty conference.
The final list of participating parties, along with the date and venue of the APC, is expected to become clearer after the ongoing contacts and consultations.
Also read: TTAP Invites PPP to Discuss Parliamentary and Constitutional Issues
