ISLAMABAD: Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, a leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced on Friday that, following the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan, the party has decided to sit in opposition both at the Centre and in the province of Punjab.
The decision was disclosed during a press conference held after a meeting between a PTI delegation and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chairman Aftab Khan Sherpao in Peshawar.
Saif conveyed that the PTI is engaging with various political parties as per Imran Khan’s directives. He expressed concerns about election results, noting that there were instances where individuals who were expected to win by significant margins had their results reversed, posing a substantial challenge in the long run.
“Future generations have to suffer the consequences of these conditions. On the instructions of PTI founder, we have decided to sit in opposition at the Center and in Punjab,” stated Saif.
Highlighting the escalating political tensions, Saif mentioned protests by Jamaat-e-Islami and the announcement of a protest by JUI-F for the following day. He added that Mehmood Khan Achakzai had also expressed his dissatisfaction with the current political situation.
Saif stated, “Today, Aftab Sherpao listened to us… we have discussed a permanent solution to this issue in accordance with democratic traditions.” He emphasised that the crux of the problem was economic instability and that the ongoing election crisis could potentially lead to political instability.
Qaumi Watan Party Provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan, speaking at the press conference, expressed his party’s objections to the February 8 elections. He noted that the political situation was becoming increasingly complex, and the PTI’s initiative to discuss these issues was a step in the right direction.
“We will discuss the matter with our party and then give an action plan,” said Sikandar Hayat Khan.
