ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its decision to boycott the Parliamentary National Security Committee (NSC) meeting. The party confirmed its stance during a press conference , where PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja addressed the media alongside leaders of the Tahafuz-e-Aeen Movement.
PTI’s Position and Participation
Raja explained that the PTI’s political committee made the decision not to attend the meeting. He clarified, however, that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur would participate in the meeting in his official capacity. Raja also reiterated the PTI’s opposition to any military operations and demanded the release of their leader, Imran Khan, on parole.
Legitimacy of the Meeting Questioned
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the Tahafuz-e-Aeen Movement, expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the meeting, questioning whether an “unconstitutional” prime minister had the authority to summon such a session. Similarly, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Sahibzada Hamid Raza voiced concerns, insisting that Imran Khan should be included in crucial security discussions.
Opposition’s Boycott
In addition to PTI, several opposition parties had already declared their intention to boycott the NSC meeting. These included the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M).
Criticism of the Process
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub also criticized the short notice given for the meeting, highlighting the denial of access to Imran Khan despite court orders. This added to the growing discontent among various political factions regarding the government’s handling of the national security dialogue.
The boycotts and criticisms reflect ongoing political tensions and questions over the inclusivity and legitimacy of the government’s actions.
