PPP considers TTAP multiparty moot invite

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has welcomed an invitation from the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) to participate in a proposed multiparty conference.

A TTAP delegation led by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan met PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari at the party’s central secretariat in Islamabad on Tuesday and formally extended the invitation.

Bukhari said the PPP would forward the invitation to party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for consideration. The opposition alliance would subsequently be informed about his response.

The delegation briefed the PPP leadership on the proposed conference and discussed the political situation, constitutional supremacy, democratic institutions, inter-party contacts and other national issues.

The PPP secretary general said political engagement and consultation among parties on constitutional and democratic matters were important.

TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai said the conference would be held after the PTI’s planned October 4 protest. He said consultations with political parties were already under way to finalise the date, venue and agenda of the meeting.

The opposition alliance has proposed discussing issues including the economy, inflation, law and order, constitutional matters and the creation of new provinces.

The decision to invite the PPP also reflects the party’s position that any new provinces should be created through the constitutional and parliamentary process and with political consensus. The PPP, which governs Sindh, has opposed proposals to divide the province.

Yousafzai said the alliance also planned to invite other political parties, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Awami National Party and Jamaat-i-Islami. He said the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan would not be invited.

Speaking after the meeting, Gohar said political parties had an important role in strengthening democratic institutions. He called for greater coordination among opposition and democratic forces on issues such as electoral reforms, provincial autonomy and constitutional governance.

He said the proposed conference could provide a platform for political parties to discuss their differences while working towards common democratic objectives.

The TTAP had earlier formed a six-member committee to consult political parties and develop consensus on the agenda and future course of action for the proposed conference.