Opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Thursday announced it will convene an all-party conference (APC) on July 31 as part of a “movement” to restore “democratic representation through a neutral election commission.”
“The first step of our movement is an all-party conference,” said TTAP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, flanked by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai. “All those who feel oppressed under the current regime would be invited to participate in the APC. Everyone troubled by state repression is welcome,” he said.
Achakzai emphasized the TTAP did not desire political theatrics, emphasizing it aims to dismantle the current government through the public mandate. Lashing out the incumbent government, he claimed that even the elected representatives of parties were denied access to their detained leaders. The imposition of such control through force, he said, was undemocratic and unacceptable.
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) leader Allama Nasir Abbas claimed the judiciary would not have issued a controversial decision on reserved seats if democracy truly existed in Pakistan. He said the TTAP does not believe in armed struggle, but will not remain silent. He said the alliance would join the PTI in its protest on Aug. 5, warning that the government would be responsible for any untoward situation if it tried to obstruct the demonstration.
Khokhar lamented over soaring prices and condemned the suppression of dissent. “Today, those who dare to ask questions are made to suffer,” he said and expressed solidarity with journalists and marginalized communities. “The freedom of the press has been taken away. We stand with the oppressed segments of society, including the media,” he said.