ISLAMABAD: The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has strongly criticised the government for pushing Pakistan towards authoritarianism and undermining democratic institutions.
Following the conclusion of its two-day multi-party conference (APC), the alliance called for an immediate, consensus-based Charter of Democracy to restore constitutional order, ensure civil liberties, and address the growing political and economic crisis.
Speaking at a press conference, senior politician Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar read out the joint resolution of the APC, which was attended by leaders of various political parties, legal experts, civil society representatives, and journalists.
He accused the state of denying the opposition political space and violating the constitutional right to peaceful assembly by disrupting the original venue of the conference in Islamabad. The event had to be relocated to a private farmhouse due to administrative barriers placed by authorities.
The opposition resolution expressed deep concern over the erosion of democratic norms, branding the current system as a “hybrid regime” responsible for economic mismanagement, political victimisation, and judicial manipulation. The APC rejected the results of the 2024 general elections and demanded a powerful and independent Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in the future.
The conference also called for the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi and demanded that their pending cases be fixed for early hearing before the Islamabad High Court.
It condemned the mass convictions of opposition members, describing the trend as “a dark chapter” in Pakistan’s political history, aimed at silencing dissent.
The TTAP resolution called for dismantling the controversial Special Investment Facilitation Council and demanded the return of provincial rights, particularly in Balochistan. It also urged the abolition of the 26th Constitutional Amendment and restoration of judicial independence, supporting the stance taken by six Islamabad High Court judges who had earlier written a letter alleging interference in judicial affairs. These judges were hailed as “heroes of the people” by the alliance.
On socio-economic matters, the APC highlighted worsening poverty and joblessness. It revealed that nearly 45% of Pakistanis are living below the poverty line, with youth unemployment exceeding 30%, and a 58% drop in middle-class purchasing power. Business confidence is deteriorating, with capital flight accelerating due to an unstable political and economic climate.
The alliance demanded the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, urgent reforms in the judicial appointment system, restoration of media freedom, and inclusion of women’s and minority rights in national priorities. It also proposed that senators be directly elected by the people and given equal powers to members of the National Assembly.
Addressing regional grievances, the resolution stated that Balochistan’s natural resources rightfully belong to its people and called for an immediate end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. It urged dismantling of illegal militias and reassignment of law enforcement responsibilities to civilian institutions. The APC demanded the release of political prisoners like Dr. Mahrang Baloch and an end to profiling of Baloch students in educational institutions nationwide.
The TTAP also voiced strong opposition to restrictions on Arbaeen pilgrims travelling by road and demanded the revival of traditional trade routes in tribal and border regions. It called for water distribution as per the 1993 accord and objected to projects harming the Indus Delta.
Finally, the alliance condemned the Israeli government for its actions in Gaza and demanded the International Criminal Court declare Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal.
In response, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed the opposition’s APC as a “routine disruption” coinciding with sensitive diplomatic engagements, such as the upcoming visit of the Iranian president.
