The leadership of as many as 10 political parties including PML-N, Jamaat-i-Islami, JUI (F), JUP (Noorani), BNP, PPP (Sherpao), PML (Like-Minded), PML (Functional), Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) and Pakhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party attended the meeting. Those who attended the meeting included Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, Syed Munawar Hasan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Mir Hasil Bizenjo, Nawab Talal Bugti, Professor Sajid Mir, Maulana Ans Noorani, Aftab Khan Sherpao, Salim Saifullah, Hamid Nasir Chattha, Ghulam Mustafa Khar, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Raja Zafar ul Haq.
The participants of meeting discussed in detail country's prevailing situation, the 'long march' of Dr Tahirul Qadri and the future caretaker set up in the country to oversee the holding of the forthcoming general elections. After the meeting, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif accompanied by opposition leaders Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Syed Munnawar Hasan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Mir Hasil Bizenjo, Nawab Tala Bugti, Mir, Maulana Ans Noorani, Aftab Khan Sherpao presented a 10-point declaration demanding a political change in the country through free and fair elections. Rejecting the elements affecting peoples' right to rule ahead of peaceful transition of power, the declaration sought the announcement of election schedule without any delay along with the constitution of a caretaker set-up and expansion of consultation process by the constitutional figures at the level of federal and provincial levels for caretaker set-up.
The opposition parties also reposed confidence in the present Election Commission of Pakistan "constituted with consensus of all stakeholders." They have also demanded implementation of recommendations by the Supreme Court and the Parliamentary Committee on electoral reforms.
They also reiterated their resolve to run all the state affairs as per provisions of the Constitution. They have also urged the government to come up with a comprehensive strategy for protection of life and property of people of Pakistan, in Balochistan in particular, tribal areas, KP and Karachi.
Further, they also termed government steps insufficient to curb terrorism in the country. Also, they deplored unsatisfactory situation in the country on the fronts of inflation, law and order, unemployment and internal and external risks. Finally, they condemned any attempt by "anybody" to implement agendas through force.
Answering a question with regard to demand of Qadri and Imran for resignation of President Zardari, Nawaz said it appears to be a ploy to bring PPP man back to presidency through the same Parliament, as the PPP has majority in the National Assembly and the Senate.
On Supreme Court (SC) order regarding Rental Power Project, Nawaz said the SC is the right forum to judge the issue and the opposition fully supports it in this regard. The PML-N President also criticised the PPP for prevailing ills in Pakistan. All proposals by the opposition were thrown to the dustbin, therefore the failure of the PPP should not be termed a failure of democracy, he added. According to him, those who are lecturing the nation after coming here from abroad are due to the failure of PPP.
He said, "We decided that the government should, without any delay, announce a schedule for elections and a caretaker government. We strongly oppose any attack on the institutions and democracy." Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman criticised Qadri, dubbing him as "a J Salik of Muslims." He inquired about Qadri's whereabouts when Musharraf had passed infamous NRO. He said Qadri was sabotaging constitution and Soofi Muhammad is in the jail because of similar approach on the Constitution. He said Qadri's show cannot be without any backing. He said democracy is the path to be followed in the larger interest of the country.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai said unconstitutional and undemocratic steps are likely to be taken in the country and a line has been drawn between democratic and undemocratic forces. He said that there is no room for "political orphans" in the country. "We will turn whole of Pakistan into a Tehrir Square if any attempt is made to derail the democracy," he warned.
Syed Munnawar Hassan said the meeting discussed principles and the contours of future caretaker setup was also discussed. He said the meeting agreed to consider some more names for caretaker setup. He said the JI would participate in any next meeting as and when called by Sharif. He said the Opposition's grand alliance is need of the hour.
Talal Bugti claimed that undemocratic forces were out to foment anarchy in the country. Political pundits believe that opposition parties have shown political maturity by joining hands for the cause of democratic process. The opposition parties have reposed full confidence in the present Election Commission of Pakistan and also gave indication for broader consultation on caretaker set up, which is a positive sign.