United Opposition Decides to Convene All Parties Conference in Mid-November; Agenda to Focus on Governor’s Rule and Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Release of Prisoners, and Alleged Human Rights Violations
ISLAMABAD: The opposition forces have formally agreed to hold a big All Parties Conference (APC) in the middle of this month to come up with a common vision on pressing national issues.In a major concession, the opposition alliance has agreed to extend the length of the conference from one day to two days, as well as widen the agenda so it can cover a wider range of matters to give the participants a thorough meeting.
The following are key highlights of the Upcoming All Parties Conference (APC)Comprehensive Agenda: Critical political, parliamentary, economic, internal and foreign affairs will be part and parcel of the proposed agenda. Issues of particular concern will be the controversial Governor’s Rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and release of political prisoners, among others, and alleged human rights violations.
Beyond the mainstream political parties, representatives from professional organizations and other sectors of society will be invited to be members of the APC. Recruitment of experts in foreign policy and economics, representatives of agriculture, lawyers and journalism bodies has been completed.Preparatory Committees and Consultations: A special political committee of 6 members, and two specific coordinators have taken the consultative procedure and preparations to the next level. Formal contacts with political parties will begin next week, with the opposition leadership starting with various parties.