PAT calls All Parties Conference to devise joint strategy against government

Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on Thursday announced that he will host an All Parties Conference (APC) to devise a joint line of action against the PML-N government.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Awami Muslim League (AML) have affirmed their participation in the APC.

On Thursday, AML chief Sheikh Rashid and PAT chief Dr Qadri held a joint press conference in Lahore. Dr Qadri said that the ruling regime will have to face arrests, jails and finally gallows. He added that the rulers will not be spared.

All major political and religious parties will be invited to the APC being held on December 28, he said, adding that an approval will be acquired from opposition parties on the future strategy against the government. The suggestions by the participants will be deliberated upon, Dr Qadri said.

Rashid said he would join the APC and on behalf of the PTI, he announced that the party will also attend the conference. He accused Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of "playing on both sides of the wicket".

He also alleged that the premier was distributing secret funds to provide some relief to the former prime minister.

Earlier in the month, several political parties including PPP, PML-Q, Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen and Pak Sarzameen Party assured Dr Qadri of their full support against the government.