PTI, PAT join hands on four-point agenda

Agree that struggle by PAT and PTI will be constitutional, non-violent, democratic and martial law will not be tolerated

Leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) Tuesday announced an agreement on a four-point agenda after delegations of both parties met in Lahore to discuss the upcoming marches called by the two parties.

Addressing a joint press conference with PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi after the meeting, PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi said the two marches which will be held against ‘the dictatorial monarchy’ in the country.

Qureshi said that during the meeting the leaders of both parties observed how the areas in Punjab had been sealed by the government causing immense hardship to ordinary citizens.

He appealed to the government to show some sympathy for citizens of Lahore and “remove the containers and obstructions,” adding that the government’s move is against the norms of democracy.

He announced that the PAT and PTI delegations had agreed on four points – the struggle by PAT and PTI would constitutional and democratic with the purpose of bringing in true participatory democracy; the movements of both parties would be non-violent, and if any unconstitutional measure is taken during the struggle, both parties would condemn it and neither would tolerate martial law.

“We shall not derail democracy. We want to clarify it to those giving the impression that we want to derail democracy,” he added.

Qureshi said that the federal and Punjab government would be to blame if the situation turned bitter as the protesting parties are “determined to remain peaceful” and merely want to strengthen country’s democracy and integrity.

Reiterating his stance that the PTI’s march would be held on August 14 despite hurdles, he said he expected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to lift the restrictions and obstacles imposed in the country.