Opposition demands APC on train tragedy

ISLAMABAD: The opposition alliance Friday suggested an all parties conference (APC) on national security in the aftermath of Jaffar Express tragedy.

Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai told a news conference here along with other opposition leaders that before holding the February 8 elections, they had demanded that all institutions should sit and discuss the rules of the game but the elections were held on the basis of power of money and force.

He pointed out that one year had passed and they were still stubborn.

“I think these people cannot handle this crisis. I request you from the platform of the Tehreek to step back now and a conference should be called on the situation in the country, in which all stakeholders are present,” he said.

“The way we have started ruling the country, such situations will continue to rise; the solution is APC; the army, soldiers and whoever is fighting are from this country. The solution to all this is to apologize for the past sins and implement the existing constitution properly,” he maintained.

He called for collectively creating such a system that the nation could come out of devastation.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the security forces prevented a tragedy like the APS from happening, and that they respected their efforts. He made it clear that he condemned targeting civilians.

He regretted that the prime minister was the first to criticize the PTI, alleging they were dividing the nation by using a few statements, whether right or wrong. He added that the opposition alliance will convene an APC on security.

Sunni Ittehad Council head Sahibzada Hamid Raza, while urging for an in-camera session of the parliament.

He said minister for defense was responsible for what happened for 36 hours.

“For 36 hours the ministers did not consider it appropriate to tell the nation what was happening; we have bitter questions and we demand an in-camera session, as we don’t want to ask in public; we express our condolences to the security personnel and demand an inquiry into the incident,” he maintained.

Hamid Raza said, “We want to see Pakistan moving forward; this is the desire of Imran Khan; this is the desire of everyone sitting in this room”.

Yesterday, the prime minister kept blaming the PTI even though he should have responded to the Jaffar Express incident,” PTI leader Asad Qaiser said. He regretted that the prime minister kept distributing laptops instead of talking about the tragedy.

“This government has no concern for the country. If the government had any shame, it should have apologized to the nation and resigned,” he contended.