Opposition Unites Against 27th Constitutional Amendment
Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a multi-party opposition alliance, has announced a nationwide protest campaign against the proposed 27th constitutional amendment. This comes after the government tabled the amendment in the upper house of parliament. TTAP Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai declared the launch of a movement and stated that parliament would not be allowed to function.
“The movement begins from 8:30 tonight, we will raise our slogan – ‘Aise dastoor ko hum nahi mante’ (we do not accept such a constitution),” Achakzai said in a presser in Islamabad. He claimed that a group has “taken control” of Pakistan without holding elections, adding that the movement—previously sought by the PTI—would begin today.
An attack has been carried out on the very foundations of Pakistan, according to Achakzai, who called it “a 9/11.” He emphasized that their struggle is not based on personal enmity with anyone, but for the protection of the constitution and democratic values.
Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a leader of Awaam Pakistan and TTAP, argued that the 27th Constitutional Amendment was drafted considering the “interests and disadvantages” of certain individuals. “The constitution has nothing to do with personalities; the elite are amending it to protect their own interests,” Khokar added.
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and TTAP leader Raja Nasir Abbas accused the rulers of driving the country toward destruction, claiming that the parliament and judiciary have been “destroyed.” He said the opposition alliance would go to any extent to block the amendment, stating, “We will raise this slogan across the world today.”
National Consultative Conference
In a separate statement, the opposition alliance led by PkMAP president Achakzai announced that a national consultative conference will be held in Islamabad this week. Representatives from all walks of life have been invited to participate.
The TTAP, whose chairman is Achakzai, said that a “black day” will be observed the day after the “fake approval” of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The public has been urged to join the protest by wearing black armbands, while lawyers are asked to demonstrate in courts by wearing black bands.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a senior member of the opposition alliance, accused the government of shaking the foundations of the constitution, saying they had no choice but to launch a protest movement after the government’s tabling of the amendment in parliament.
“The constitution is being tampered with. Our own parliament is attacking the constitution, so we have no other option, we will go to the people,” he said in a post on X.
PTI’s Response
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the main opposition party led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, criticized the amendment, stating it would harm democracy, judicial independence, and civilian supremacy in the country.
“The new constitutional draft contained not a single amendment in the public interest; rather, it is entirely person-specific and self-serving, aimed at centralizing power and empowering the elite,” said PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram in a sharply worded statement.
“Pakistan must put an end to the culture of arbitrary extensions and raising retirement ages,” he added.
Government’s Perspective
On the other hand, State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik defended the amendment, calling it a “significant step toward strengthening the supremacy of parliament.” He stated that the approval of the 27th constitutional amendment marks a positive and historic milestone toward promoting constitutional balance, transparent accountability, and institutional harmony across the country.
“This amendment not only symbolises the strengthening of democratic institutions but also fulfills the long-cherished vision of establishing a constitutional court,” he said.
Key Concerns
The debate over the 27th constitutional amendment has sparked significant concern among various stakeholders. Critics argue that the amendment could undermine the principles of democracy and judicial independence, while supporters claim it will enhance the functioning of parliamentary institutions.
As the situation unfolds, the opposition continues to mobilize public support, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in governance. The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the amendment and its implications for Pakistan’s political landscape.