POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Former Prime Minister and Awaam Pakistan Party President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi strongly criticized the ruling coalition for undermining democracy and the judicial system during a conference organized by the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP).
The two-day moot, held in Islamabad, brought together opposition leaders to discuss the political landscape and national issues. Abbasi, in his address, accused the PML-N and PPP-led government of stifling political discourse and suppressing public opinion.
“What Compels You to Make Such Moves?”
Abbasi pointed out the contradiction in the ruling parties’ stance, saying, “These are the same people who once spoke about democracy and judicial independence, but today, they are suppressing both.” He added that the government had failed to control political instability and questioned its motives behind such actions.
He also criticized the recently introduced Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025 (PECA), claiming that it was aimed at silencing dissent and controlling public narratives. “Laws are being made to stop people from talking and dismantle the judicial system,” Abbasi remarked.
Opposition Moot Faces Hurdles
The former PM highlighted the hurdles the opposition faced in organizing the moot, revealing that three venues had to be changed due to government restrictions. “Even a conference on the Constitution is being obstructed. This shows how scared the government is,” he said.
He urged citizens to take an active role in defending democracy, stating, “This is an open forum, and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect democratic values and the supremacy of the Constitution.”
Opposition Alliance Grows Stronger
Abbasi also emphasized that while opposition parties may have political differences, they stood united on core issues like constitutional supremacy, judicial independence, and democratic rights.
The TTAP alliance, originally formed by PTI in April last year, includes the Sunni Ittehad Council, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Balochistan National Party-Mengal, Jamaat-i-Islami, and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen. Recently, TTAP leaders invited the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to join their cause.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja reaffirmed his party’s commitment to democracy, stating, “PTI’s politics is for the people of Pakistan. We are fighting for democratic rights and against the injustices imposed by the current regime.”
He also revealed that PTI founder Imran Khan had instructed party members to approach Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leader Manzoor Pashteen and rights activist Mahrang Baloch, urging them to unite against the government’s actions.
As restrictions on freedom of expression tighten and trade unions face suppression, opposition leaders continue to rally for their cause, pushing back against what they call an “authoritarian rule”.
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