ISLAMABAD: The opposition’s two-day Grand Alliance Conference began in Islamabad on Wednesday, focusing on the supremacy of the Constitution.
This development follows an emergency meeting at the residence of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, where opposition leaders decided to proceed with the event.
Key figures attending the conference included Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Awam Pakistan’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) leader Nasir Shirazi, among others.
“We will hold these illegitimate rulers accountable on every street. We do not accept this unconstitutional assembly,” stated Achakzai, expressing distrust in the current legislature.
The opposition’s united front emerges after failed negotiations between PTI and the ruling coalition, despite multiple rounds of talks. Since then, PTI has engaged in outreach efforts, following directives from its leader, with TTAP representatives visiting Sindh to meet the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA). The two sides agreed to collaborate for constitutional supremacy and the independence of the judiciary and parliament.
As a next step, the opposition factions decided to form committees to further their common agenda.
A joint statement issued during the conference highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing crises and political instability.
“History bears witness that Pakistan has faced severe crises over time. While our initial goal was to build a progressive and democratic state, interference by undemocratic forces, institutional conflicts, corruption, and a weak political system have thrown the country into turmoil,” the statement read.
It further pointed out that the 2024 elections raised concerns about the democratic process, undermining the people’s mandate. The statement warned that the country stands at a crossroads, where moving forward seems impossible, and uncertainty among the public is growing daily.
‘Pakistanis Deprived of Being Stakeholders’
Addressing the gathering, TTAP chief Achakzai emphasized that governance should involve all citizens.
He lamented that the true benefits of independence had not reached the common people, depriving them of their rightful role in decision-making.
Achakzai highlighted the struggles of those who demand their rights, stating that such efforts often result in baseless accusations.
“We have been imprisoned multiple times, but we have never stood against Pakistan,” he said, recalling how his father continued singing the national anthem with pride even while in jail.
Reflecting on his parliamentary journey, Achakzai shared that when he took his oath as an MNA in 1993, he questioned its significance, only to be reassured by the speaker that it was more than just a formality.
He also criticized the handling of the February 8 elections, calling it an unprecedented violation of constitutional principles.
“We demand our right to govern, which can only be achieved through the supremacy of the Constitution,” he asserted.
Achakzai reminded attendees of the sacrifices made for political power, urging them never to forget those who fought for democracy.
‘Dysfunctional Nations’
Speaking at the conference, Awam Pakistan’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi remarked that the government was so insecure that even a discussion on the Constitution was being restricted.
He criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for trying to suppress the conference, questioning why political instability persists in the country.
“When political parties abandon their principles, nations cannot function,” he remarked.
Abbasi condemned the enactment of laws aimed at suppressing dissent and expressed concern over the state of justice. “It is unfortunate that even speaking up has become a challenge,” he added.
He warned that without democracy and respect for public opinion, the country could not move forward.
Suppressed Media
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt criticized all political parties for suppressing media freedom once in power.
He urged Achakzai to obtain a sworn commitment from political leaders ensuring they would not repeat past mistakes.
Butt recalled that when journalists protested against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), both Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto had joined them in solidarity.
“These leaders once opposed Peca, but after gaining power, they enforced it themselves,” he remarked.
He also criticized a former prime minister for labeling a court decision against media restrictions as a foreign conspiracy.
Senior journalist Asma Sherazi called on the opposition to address fake news spread within its ranks.
She stressed that individuals within political parties responsible for misinformation pave the way for restrictive laws like Peca.
“Freedom of expression has never been and will never be silenced,” she affirmed.
Sherazi also criticized the opposition for branding Peca as a black law while making media suppression a priority upon assuming power.
