ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) refused to sign joint declaration of the All-Parties Conference (APC) organized by the Awami National Party (ANP) in Islamabad.
According to details ANP’s APC concluded with the release of a joint declaration addressing pressing national issues including terrorism, extremism, and governance reforms. However, leaders of PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party PPP declined to endorse the declaration.
Leaders of PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and PPP’s Nayer Bukhari refused to sign the document and exited the meeting as the declaration was being read. Senator Siddiqui remarked that the declaration reflected the ANP’s demands and viewpoints rather than a consensus among all parties.
The APC declaration strongly condemned terrorism, extremism, and all forms of unrest in the country, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to eradicate these threats. It called for the immediate disbanding of illegal armed groups and demanded effective protection of citizens’ lives and property.
The joint declaration also stressed the full and genuine implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and adherence to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award in accordance with the constitution. It also demanded the recovery of missing persons, presentation of such individuals before courts, and release of political prisoners. The declaration urged the removal of restrictions on the media and rejection of controversial laws such as the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
On the issue of foreign policy, the conference declared that Pakistan should avoid entanglement in foreign wars. It also called for special assistance packages to flood-affected districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by declaring them disaster-hit.
While refusing to sign the APC declaration, Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed support for the ANP’s proposal for a national dialogue, adding that the formation of a national dialogue committee, stating he would present the idea to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He urged all political actors to put aside grievances and view the country from a united perspective. Siddiqui emphasized the importance of respecting the constitution and rejected any attempts to undermine it.
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PML-N’s Siddiqui also praised the Pakistani military for its role in defending the nation, noting its success against formidable enemies, and said celebrating such achievements is a true expression of patriotism.
