Prominent opposition leaders addressed the National Opposition Conference in Islamabad for the second consecutive day on Thursday, highlighting concerns over constitutional supremacy, political stability, and judicial independence.
The conference, initially planned for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, was relocated to a hotel due to external pressures. The hotel administration had abruptly canceled the booking, forcing the opposition leaders to enter the premises and set up their gathering in the lobby. Defiant in the face of obstacles, they delivered fiery speeches, criticizing the government and demanding political reforms.
Omar Ayub: 'We are the state'
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omer Ayub emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
"Since yesterday, the discussions here have revolved solely around the supremacy of the Constitution and the law. We are members of parliament, and the state as well. How can we speak against the state and ourselves?" he remarked.
"I have a constitutional position -- I am the state. My fellow MNAs are also part of the state, while other institutions are merely tools of the state. These tools cannot question the state itself," he asserted.
He criticized the legitimacy of the current "Form 47 government", calling it with no real authority. He also mockingly suggested that whoever attempted to obstruct the opposition conference should be given a special award on March 23.
Highlighting his role as a candidate for prime minister against Shehbaz Sharif, Ayub reiterated his commitment to national strength and called for legal action against those he claimed were undermining Pakistan.
Barrister Gohar: 'Voice of the people can't be silenced'
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar hailed the opposition conference as a resounding success, despite attempts to block it. He revealed that the event was initially proposed to be held at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House but had to be shifted to a hotel at the insistence of other parties and the steering committee.
"One thing is clear: the judiciary must be independent, the supremacy of parliament must be upheld, and above all, the rule of law must prevail in the country," he stated.
Gohar emphasized that the people's movement was gaining momentum and could not be suppressed.
"This is not about a revolution, but about ensuring that the people’s voice is heard -- something that has already begun. The government has lost its popularity among the people," he added.
Miftah Ismail: 'Without fair elections, political and economic instability will persist'
Awam Pakistan Party leader Miftah Ismail accused the Shehbaz Sharif government of prioritising self-preservation over governance.
"The government has proven today that there is no rule of law in the country. Shehbaz Sharif is making reforms only to protect his government and his family," he said.
He warned that unless a truly representative government was established through transparent elections, Pakistan would continue to face political stagnation, economic distress and instability. He urged all political forces to set aside personal ambitions for the greater good.
"Shehbaz Sharif must remember that while he is in power today, tomorrow he will be out. He chose to respect power over votes, but tomorrow, power will not respect him," Ismail warned.
Kamran Murtaza: 'Even political gatherings restricted'
JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed disappointment over the lack of political freedom, revealing that even the Supreme Court Bar’s premises, where the conference was being held, faced restrictions on political activity.
"This building is named after Asma Jahangir, a champion of democracy and human rights. If she were alive today, she would be as ashamed of this situation as I am," he remarked.
Achakzai announces separate assembly
Mahmood Achakzai, the head of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Aaeen-e-Pakistan, announced the formation of a separate assembly, declaring that those who reject the legitimacy of the current government will establish their own parallel parliament. He nominated Asad Qaiser as the speaker.
"We must pledge that we will not engage in any secret dealings with the establishment. We should not negotiate with a government that has stolen the people's mandate but rather fight for its restoration. We will form our own parliament, with Asad Qaiser as our speaker. If there are talks with the army, they should focus on giving them an honourable exit."
Abdul Ghafoor Haideri
"A clear and enforceable charter must be established. The people of Balochistan have endured oppression for 75 years. Even agreements made in the name of the holy Quran were never honoured. The claim that Balochistan does not accept the Constitution is false -- such treatment is deliberately pushing the province towards secession."
Sahibzada Hamid Raza – head of Sunni Ittehad Council
"Attempts to sabotage this conference are akin to undermining the Constitution. The opposition stands united today. The hotel management must refund the money; otherwise, we will submit a privilege motion in the National Assembly."
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi – Head of Awam Pakistan Party
Reading out the joint declaration issued at the end of the conference, the former premier said: "The country cannot progress without the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, and an independent judiciary. The current parliament lacks moral, constitutional, and legal legitimacy. Political prisoners must be released immediately, and the PECA Act must be abolished. Free and transparent elections are the only way forward. National issues should be resolved through dialogue."
Salman Akram Raja – PTI Leader
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja assured that the PTI founder would not strike a deal. He emphasized forgetting the past and moving forward.
"We have made mistakes in the past, but we must move forward. If we stand together, no obstacle will be insurmountable. I am in close contact with the PTI founding chairman and assure you that he has not entered into any deal. The nation must unite and raise its voice."
Other opposition leaders
- Liaqat Baloch (JI) urged democratic forces to remain independent, rejecting any role as tools of external influence.
- Kamran Murtaza criticized the longstanding injustices in Balochistan, highlighting that some people have been missing for over 15 years.
- Allama Nasir Abbas blamed power politics for the country’s issues, stating that anyone who speaks against the Pakistan Army is an enemy of the state.
The conference declaration emphasised the release of political prisoners, the abolition of the PECA Act, and the necessity of free and fair elections. It also called for a national dialogue among all stakeholders to address the country’s challenges.
