ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), has indicated on Monday that the opposition bloc may withdraw from the assemblies if the government persists with its current approach towards former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During an appearance on the Dawn News program “Doosra Rukh,” Achakzai stated, “I fear that if the current attitude towards Imran Khan continues, we will not be able to stay in the assembly.” He questioned the basis for the government’s stance, asking: “What has he [Imran] done? Has he committed murders, as you are threatening that a 50-year prison sentence can be announced? He has only said that his snatched mandate should be returned to him. But you have been saying that a 50-year prison term can be announced.”
Achakzai challenged calls for a military trial, remarking, “You want to try him in a military court. Tell me if he is a general or a colonel.”
He outlined a potential strategy, explaining, “If the PTI’s central committee suggests quitting the assemblies in Punjab, Sindh and the Centre, and only running the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it will be implemented.” Achakzai expressed frustration over the assemblies’ perceived impotence, lamenting that there was little benefit if they could not even secure a meeting with a prisoner [Imran].
Pressed on the likelihood of a PTI withdrawal, Achakzai responded: “I don’t fear it, I can see it coming.” He asserted the opposition had been left with no alternative, stating, “We will have no option but to withdraw from the assemblies and parliamentary committees.”
Achakzai accused the government of deliberately escalating tensions, maintaining that the government was pushing the opposition towards this decision. He highlighted the potential disruption posed by PTI seats: “There are 50 to 60 PTI seats in the assembly. What will you do if the PTI pulls out?”
The warning follows Achakzai’s prior statement last week cautioning the government that a complete opposition boycott during the upcoming budget session was possible, contingent on demands for Imran Khan’s medical treatment at a hospital of his choice and unrestricted visitation rights.
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