Pakistan: Oppn alliance TTAP announces three-day mobilisation drive against 27th amendment

The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) has announced a three-day public mobilisation drive in early December, starting in Kamo Shaheed, Ghotki, and culminating in Karachi, as part of its efforts against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, reports 24brussels.

This decision came during a significant meeting of the alliance’s Sindh chapter, chaired by Syed Zain Shah and attended by senior representatives from PTI, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, Sindh United Party, PkMAP, and other affiliated groups. The meeting assessed the current political and constitutional climate in the country and endorsed several organisational initiatives.

According to statements released post-meeting, TTAP leadership has formalised plans for the three-day rally that will traverse multiple cities before reaching Karachi. Participants commended the residents of Sindh for observing Black Day on November 21 and acknowledged the ongoing protests by lawyers against the constitutional amendment.

Shah expressed that the public is weary from unemployment, economic difficulties, and increasing costs. He asserted that the 27th Amendment jeopardises the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, asserting that governmental efforts to limit political gatherings are being collectively dismissed by the populace.

Shah also denounced the implementation of Section 144 across Sindh, claiming that its sudden enactment followed TTAP’s announcement of a rally in Hyderabad indicates the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has lost its support in the province. He remarked that the opposition’s movement is now at a pivotal stage and warned that attempts to suppress public opinion or install governments based on a fabricated mandate would no longer be tolerated.

Haleem Adil Sheikh from PTI also spoke at the meeting, highlighting that the 27th Amendment has “stripped the judiciary of its independence” and insisted that only a movement driven by the public can counteract what he characterised as a system founded on a “stolen mandate.” He condemned the government’s push for “anti-people” amendments while maintaining PTI founder Imran Khan in “unjust imprisonment.” Sheikh declared that these actions would not be accepted under any circumstances and noted that significant gatherings are planned throughout various cities during the December mobilisation.

The TTAP leadership anticipates substantial participation in the upcoming mobilisation as it continues its campaign against the proposed constitutional alterations, underscoring the increasing tensions within Pakistan’s political landscape.