PTI parliamentary party meeting sees sharp debate, demands Imran Khan's release
PTI's joint parliamentary party met in Islamabad, where members questioned the leadership's long march strategy. The party later demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
- Members questioned the long march strategy and urged talks, according to sources
- Barrister Ali Zafar said more than 70 members attended
- The party demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi
- Daily Jang reported three members left the meeting upset
The joint parliamentary party of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) met on Tuesday at Parliament House in Islamabad. Express News reported earlier that the meeting had been called for 2pm to discuss important political matters.
According to Express News sources, National Assembly opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas had been specially invited but would not attend. Achakzai was in Quetta and Nasir Abbas in Chakwal. The sources said key decisions had been meant to be taken with both present.
Daily Pakistan, citing Express News, reported that the meeting was chaired by Barrister Gohar. It discussed the political situation, governor's rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the alleged disappearance of members, among other matters.
According to sources quoted by Daily Pakistan, members questioned the leadership over the long march strategy. They said that talk of Plans A, B, C and D had been loud but no practical plan was visible, and that they had not been taken into confidence. Some said a government had been lost in one province and asked where the party's response was.
The same sources said members questioned the task given to Achakzai to hold talks and the failure of political contacts. Most members said talks should be held in any case. Noor ul Haq Qadri reportedly said "talks" three times, and others applauded. Members also suggested ending silence on governor's rule and activating the parliamentary party.
Sources said the meeting expressed full confidence in Sohail Afridi, Achakzai and Nasir Abbas, and agreed to strengthen the parliamentary committee along with the core and political committees. Mishal Yousafzai reportedly expressed no confidence in Afridi and the opposition leadership, while Asad Qaiser defended them. Fouzia Arshad asked the party chairman to investigate members' media statements.
Daily Jang reported, citing sources, that harsh words were exchanged and that Khawaja Sheraz, Ali Muhammad Khan and Faisal Amin Gandapur left the meeting upset. Gandapur was quoted as saying he did not want to sit in the meeting.
Later, Daily Pakistan and 24 News reported that the joint parliamentary party demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Barrister Ali Zafar, the party's Senate parliamentary leader, said more than 70 members attended, important decisions were made and a detailed consultation on the way forward was held.
Why it matters
The opposition party's internal debate over strategy and talks shapes political discussion in the National Assembly and Senate that affects readers across Pakistan.
