The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) declined to sign a 26-point communique at the all-parties conference (APC) hosted by the Awami National Party (ANP) in Islamabad, leaving the session without a joint declaration.
The APC, called by ANP to stress the importance of democracy, constitutional supremacy, and provincial rights, initially saw broad agreement among participants. However, tensions surfaced when ANP President Aimal Wali Khan began reading out the draft declaration.
At that point, PML-N leaders Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Irfan Siddiqui, along with PPP’s Nayyar Bukhari, walked out. Irfan Siddiqui bluntly remarked, “These are your demands, not ours.”
Despite the discord, Aimal Wali Khan emphasized that all parties recognized democracy, the rule of law, and legitimate provincial rights as essential for Pakistan’s peace and progress.
During the meeting, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called for a national dialogue to address Pakistan’s political and economic challenges. He argued that the parliamentary system was under question and stressed the need for both dialogue and a comprehensive economic roadmap.
Interestingly, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui supported the idea of dialogue, highlighting Pakistan’s resilience by recalling how the military had defeated an enemy five times larger. He also said provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh were integral to Pakistan’s identity, not just Punjab.
PPP’s Nayyar Bukhari reiterated the importance of the 1973 Constitution, calling it a historic consensus. He noted that while amendments were possible, altering its foundation would complicate efforts to create a new framework.
Meanwhile, Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Sherpao criticized demands for direct negotiations with the establishment, warning it would bypass Parliament and undermine its role.
