Opposition chalks out joint move today

Published November 10, 2003

ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: A crucial meeting of all opposition parliamentary groups in the National Assembly to be held here at 9pm on Monday will ponder over requisitioning of the assembly session as soon as it is prorogued, most likely on Tuesday next, sources told Dawn.

The opposition will also chalk out a joint strategy to accelerate its campaign against the regime for the acceptance of its demands regarding the Legal Framework Order and release of Javed Hashmi.

The issue of military operation against tribesmen will also be discussed at the meeting as the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) will push for a unanimous stand against it, said the sources.

The PML-N, which is hosting the meeting, is said be interested in seeking the wholehearted support of all opposition parties in its upcoming drive for the release of Javed Hashmi in Punjab and elsewhere.

The MMA, the sources said, would also pursue the opposition to make a unified demand for the arrest of the murderers of (banned Sipah-i-Sahaba chief) MNA Azam Tariq and also to include the demand in its overall protest campaign.

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, convener of the opposition parliamentary meeting, told Dawn on Sunday that the basic purpose of the meeting was to evolve a consensus among opposition parties on the future course of action inside and outside parliament.

This meeting will be attended by PPP’s Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Raja Pervez Ashraf; PML-N’s Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Maimoona Hashmi and Siddiqul Farooq from PML(N); PONM’s Mehmud Achakzai, Abdur Rauf Mengal and others; PTI chief Imran Khan and possibly a representative from the JWP.

MMA parliamentary leader Qazi Hussain and his deputy Hafiz Hussain Ahmed will represent the religious alliance on the occasion.

Chaudhry Nisar said that all the parties had confirmed their participation in the meeting, except the JWP which had some problem in reaching the capital.

He said the meeting would consider various ways and means to enhance pressure on the government to accept its demands.

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...