ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its allies on Wednesday hinted at backing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s proposal for a new Charter of Democracy to steer the country out of its prevailing political and economic crises.
The development came during a meeting between Maulana Rehman and the PTI-backed opposition leader in Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who was accompanied by a delegation of opposition leaders.
The meeting, held in the opposition leader’s chamber, discussed the country’s political situation, constitutional and democratic issues, cooperation among opposition parties and the proposed convening of an all parties conference (APC) in the first week of November to build consensus on a joint political roadmap.
Participants agreed that all political parties should engage in dialogue to address the prevailing national crises and work towards a new Charter of Democracy. They described the proposed APC as an important first step towards achieving this objective.
The opposition alliance is considering holding the APC on November 9 or 10, with a formal announcement on the proposed charter expected after further consultations among the participating parties.
Speaking after the meeting, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said his party had agreed to Maulana Rehman’s proposal, adding that the government had failed on the economic, administrative and governance fronts.
He said the opposition was considering November 9 or 10 for the APC, while the final decision on the charter would be taken after consultations among opposition parties.
PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar said the terms of the proposed Charter of Democracy by Maulana Rehman would be finalised through mutual consultation.
He stressed that the opposition would move forward by taking all stakeholders on board, adding that discussions on the proposal were continuing.
During the opposition alliance’s meeting in parliament, the leaders also contacted the PTI-backed opposition leader in National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai by telephone.
In a separate meeting of the party’s parliamentary panel, PTI MNAs discussed the proposed charter. According to sources, the party has agreed to support JUI-F chief Maulana Rehman’s proposal for a new Charter of Democracy.
The participants once again strongly condemned the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in KP, describing the measures as contrary to the sovereignty of the people and democratic principles.
They also voiced concern over the whereabouts of the non-functional KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, PTI KP president Junaid Akbar, the PA speaker Babar Swati and other party lawmakers, leaders and workers, missing since October 11, and called for the release of political prisoners and protection of political freedoms.
The meeting also saw detailed consultations on the proposed APC and the need for greater coordination among opposition parties to address the country’s political challenges.
The PTI delegation included party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, Barrister Ali Zafar, Chief Whip Aamir Dogar, and Zain Qureshi.
The JUI-F delegation included Kamran Murtaza, Mir Younus Zahri and Usman Badini.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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