Coalition opposes current system, advocates for new constitution to reinforce democratic principles
Opposition Alliance Demands End to Authoritarianism in Pakistan
The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) opposition alliance has accused the government of authoritarianism and undermining the Constitution, calling for the dismantling of a "hybrid power structure" in Pakistan.
At a two-day multi-party conference attended by opposition leaders, civil society, lawyers, and activists, TTAP condemned politically motivated convictions of opposition members and the judiciary's bias. The alliance described it as one of Pakistan’s darkest political chapters with no rule of law remaining.
The conference, led by senior politician Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, demanded a fresh democratic charter to restore democracy and uphold constitutional supremacy. TTAP criticized the government’s use of anti-terrorism courts for political vendettas and the erosion of judicial independence.
The alliance sees the ongoing crackdown on political opponents, curtailing of civil liberties, restrictions on media and protests, and enforced disappearances as hallmarks of escalating authoritarianism in Pakistan.
During the conference, leaders highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation and expressed urgency to launch movements against the government's repressive tactics. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, imprisoned under controversial charges, has called for unity and a campaign to liberate the judiciary, decrying harsh treatment and oppression directed at him and his party.
The declaration of the multi-party conference reaffirmed TTAP's commitment to fight against authoritarianism and seek constitutional restoration through a united opposition front.
In addition to demanding an end to authoritarianism, the conference addressed several regional and domestic issues. The APC declared that Balochistan's resources belong to its people. The participants called for water distribution as per the 1993 accord and objected to canal projects affecting the Indus Delta.
The APC urged the federal government to return usurped provincial rights and condemned restrictions on media by the government. The declaration proposed reopening traditional cross-border trade routes. The opposition also demanded the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, and for their cases to be fixed before the Islamabad High Court.
The conference rejected the 2024 general election results and demanded an independent and empowered Election Commission. The opposition in this country is accusing the government of pushing the country towards authoritarianism and undermining the Constitution. The conference criticized the "rising fascism and political revenge" in the country.
The participants also demanded the Israeli prime minister be declared an international war criminal and prosecuted at the International Court of Justice. They stressed the need for a new consensus-based charter of democracy among all political forces, and called for ensuring media freedom through practical steps and including women's rights and education in any future charter.
In summary, TTAP’s conference centered on demands for dismantling authoritarian structures cloaked in democracy, restoring judicial independence, halting politically motivated prosecutions, protecting civil rights, and adopting a new democratic charter to ensure Pakistan’s constitutional governance is respected.
- The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) condemns the government for undermining the Constitution and promoting authoritarianism.
- The opposition alliance, led by Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, demands a fresh democratic charter to uphold constitutional supremacy.
- TTAP criticizes the government's use of anti-terrorism courts for political vendettas and the erosion of judicial independence.
- The alliance sees the ongoing crackdown on political opponents, curtailing of civil liberties, and enforced disappearances as hallmarks of escalating authoritarianism in Pakistan.
- During the conference, leaders highlighted the importance of addressing human rights issues and urged movements against the government's repressive tactics.
- The opposition also demanded the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, and for their cases to be fixed before the Islamabad High Court.
- The conference reaffirmed TTAP's commitment to fight against authoritarianism and seek constitutional restoration through a united opposition front.
- In addition to addressing domestic issues, the APC demands the Israeli prime minister be declared an international war criminal and prosecuted at the International Court of Justice and calls for a new consensus-based charter of democracy that includes media freedom, women's rights, and education.
