PTI, JUI-F join forces against rushed bills

ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, leaders from PTI and JUI-F met to discuss the recent actions of the PML-N-led government, which quickly passed six bills in Parliament a day earlier but failed to make any meaningful decisions.

The meeting was attended by JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PTI's Asad Qaiser, who both criticized the government's fast-tracked legislative process. They expressed their rejection of the bills and discussed a plan to keep the government under pressure, both inside and outside of Parliament.

The ruling alliance, led by PML-N, extended the army chief’s tenure from three to five years and doubled the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 34.

Leaders from PTI and JUI-F, along with other opposition parties, vowed to continue opposing the government, calling its actions undemocratic and authoritarian.

JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri shared details with the media after the meeting, explaining that the opposition leaders saw the government’s move as a way to extend its own power. He accused the ruling coalition of having self-serving motives.

The leaders also discussed forming a united opposition front to stand against the ruling parties. Ghauri accused the government of deliberately provoking the opposition and acting against democratic values.

Regarding the government’s rushed passage of bills, Ghauri said it had violated the constitution and undermined the 26th constitutional amendment, which changed the process for selecting the top judge of the Supreme Court. He also criticized the government for breaking promises and pushing for fascism.

Ghauri noted that the unprecedented actions by the government could bring PTI and JUI-F together in defense of democracy. He also mentioned that Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the way PTI's chairman, Imran Khan, was being treated in prison, saying the denial of basic rights to him was unjust.

When asked about the release of Imran Khan, Ghauri said that if his release was justified, it should happen, and that the numerous cases against him should be stopped. He also mentioned that PTI leaders had thanked Maulana for his support in recent times.