In a significant political development, the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has issued a strong demand for the immediate appointment of an impartial Chief Election Commissioner and the holding of free and fair elections under a newly constituted Election Commission. This call to action emerged from a two-day national consultative conference held in Islamabad, which saw participation from diverse political and civil society segments across the nation.
Core Demands and Black Day Announcement
The central declaration from the conference asserted that the foundation of democracy rests solely on the transparent transfer of power through legitimate elections. The TTAP declared that the current "edifice," built on what it termed "illegal ground," remains illegitimate in the public eye and by global principles, regardless of superficial repairs. To correct this fundamental flaw and restore public trust, the alliance insists that free and fair elections are the only solution.
In a bold move, the forum announced it will mark the two-year anniversary of the February 8, 2024 polls as a Black Day. On that day, nationwide wheel-jam and shutter-down strikes will be observed, alongside strong protests at the international level, to denounce what they describe as the establishment of an "illegitimate system."
Furthermore, the participants demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged rigging during the February 8 elections, seeking identification and punishment of those responsible.
Judicial Independence and Political Prisoners
The conference declaration expressed grave concern over the state of the judiciary, claiming its pillar has been "mercilessly demolished." It criticized the 26th and 27th amendments for stripping judicial independence through the mechanism of judge transfers. The forum specifically condemned the forced departures of judges like Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, and expressed solidarity with Islamabad High Court's Justice Tariq Jahangiri, demanding the judiciary's restoration as per the original 1973 Constitution.
On the issue of political prisoners, the TTAP strongly condemned the sentences given to PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in what it called "false cases." It also decried the reported inhumane treatment of Imran Khan's sisters. The alliance demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Ali Wazir, and others facing fabricated cases. A specific warning was issued to uphold human rights, coupled with a demand to lift the ban on meetings with Imran Khan.
Media Freedom, Regional Issues, and Economic Concerns
The conference extended its condemnation to laws and actions stifling dissent. It demanded the annulment of the PECA law, criticized the "economic assassination" of Dawn TV, and expressed solidarity with journalists like Matiullah Jan and those who have lost jobs. Cases against human rights activist Imaan Mazari were also condemned.
The declaration highlighted several critical regional issues:
- Expressing grave concern over law and order in Sindh and Balochistan, condemning enforced disappearances, and demanding the release of Mahring Baloch and other Baloch prisoners.
- Labeling the terrorism situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as "alarming," and demanding implementation of Jirga demands and the release of the province's outstanding dues.
- Calling for a lift on the ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), the recovery of missing persons, and the removal of names from the Fourth Schedule.
- Emphasizing dialogue with Afghanistan to resolve border and trade issues.
The alliance linked economic stability directly to political stability. It also raised constitutional concerns, stating that international mining agreements made without provincial consultation violate the 18th Amendment, and that altering provincial boundaries without public consent is unacceptable.
Other demands included the immediate restoration of student unions across the country. Despite the strong stance, the conference agreed that in a democracy, the door to dialogue should never be closed, suggesting the country needs a new Charter of Democracy and that opposition parties are ready for the Constitution's complete restoration.
To mobilize public support, a central committee has been formed, featuring Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Dr. Amjad, Ali Asghar, Haleem Adil Sheikh, and Zain Shah. This committee will establish sub-committees at provincial and district levels and organize further consultative conferences in all provincial headquarters.
