PTI, JUI-F close ranks ahead of September 27 protest

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has intensified efforts to unite opposition parties ahead of its planned September 27 protest, reaching an understanding in principle with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on forming a joint opposition in parliament.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence on Friday. The meeting focused on the planned protest, broader opposition coordination and a proposed all-parties conference (APC) to deliberate on major political, constitutional and economic issues.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Gohar said PTI and JUI-F had agreed in principle to work together as a joint opposition in both the National Assembly and Senate.

He said opposition parties would be consulted on matters of national importance and efforts would be made to develop a common position on issues facing the country.

Gohar said the proposed APC would discuss the creation of new provinces, parliamentary matters and the situation of political prisoners. He added that the deteriorating law and order situation, economic challenges, inflation and alleged lawlessness also required broader political consultation.

“The first meeting today was encouraging and will continue in the future,” Gohar said.

The discussions also covered the strengthening of constitutional and democratic institutions. The opposition leaders emphasised the importance of upholding the Constitution, rule of law and democratic principles through collective political efforts.

JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri welcomed the PTI delegation and said preparations for the proposed APC were also discussed during the meeting.

He said the conference would consider the issue of new provinces along with the situation in Balochistan, terrorism and other challenges confronting the country.

“We will try to play some role in dealing with the problems the country is facing,” Haidri said.

The latest meeting is part of an ongoing effort by opposition parties to develop a united political platform. PTI began contacting opposition groups last month, while the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) and JUI-F had earlier announced plans to establish a united opposition following consultations on political cooperation.

The opposition has since held parliamentary consultations involving Fazlur Rehman, Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, Gohar and other political figures. The participants agreed to pursue a collective strategy on political, economic and constitutional matters.

The proposed APC is expected to bring additional political parties into the consultation process. Opposition leaders have also planned further meetings to assess preparations and contact other parties.

The September 27 protest remains a key point of coordination among the opposition groups. PTI has described the planned mobilisation as peaceful and says it seeks justice, fresh elections and protection of constitutional rights. Party leaders have also called for supporters from across the country to participate.

Meanwhile, the proposed protest has faced a legal challenge. A petition filed before the Islamabad High Court argues that the planned sit-in and nationwide mobilisation could affect traffic, routine life and business activity in the capital. The petition also raises questions over the use of provincial resources for the protest.