Potential Countrywide Protests Eyed by PTI Parliamentary Body
Calls for countrywide protests are emerging from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary committee, responding to the recent passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. These significant proposals are slated for discussion today, Friday, at a crucial meeting of the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), followed by a press conference.
PTI’s Strategy on Countrywide Protests
The parliamentary committee, chaired by Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief and TTAP Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, gathered key figures including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser. Participants sought a unified strategy following the amendment’s passage. Asad Qaiser, speaking to Dawn, articulated a unanimous belief among attendees that the current government is “not capable to run the country,” highlighting an ongoing “economic crisis” and “miserable law and order situation.” He added that the country is “at the verge of a civil war.”
Mahmood Khan Achakzai further underscored the importance of the rule of law, stating that nations lacking respect for their laws and Constitution are “destined to fall apart.” He specifically suggested involving the “religious segment of the society” and organizing countrywide protests predominantly on Fridays to maximize impact.
The committee also praised the resignations of two top court judges, deeming it a “commendable act” and a “first drop of rain against the government.” Mr. Achakzai urged the judiciary to “stand on its feet,” assuring that “the whole nation will stand along with it over the issue.” The TTAP meeting today is expected to formalize and announce the joint opposition’s collective strategy concerning future demonstrations, including potential countrywide protests.
KP CM Denied Meeting Amidst Political Tensions
Adding to the political tensions, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was barred for the sixth time from meeting PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail on Thursday. Despite the Islamabad High Court’s directives to permit such meetings, CM Afridi, accompanied by other opposition leaders, was not granted entry. SindhNews.com reports that Mr. Afridi expressed frustration at the non-implementation of court orders. “Am I going to discuss nuclear secrets with him?” he questioned reporters, urging the security establishment to “focus on the borders of the country” and allow politicians to resolve issues through political means.
Conclusion
The upcoming TTAP meeting holds significant implications for Pakistan’s political landscape, as the opposition alliance considers widespread countrywide protests against the government’s policies and the recently passed constitutional amendment. Concurrently, the denial of access to a key political figure underscores broader concerns about political space and judicial compliance, setting the stage for potential nationwide political mobilization.