KARACHI:
An All Parties Conference (APC) held under the leadership of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) called on the masses to observe a nationwide wheel stoppage and shutdown strike on February 8 against alleged rigging of elections two years ago.
Held at the Karachi Press Club, the APC issued a joint statement demanding the appointment of a neutral Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and fresh elections under a new Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In their address to the APC, senior TTAP leaders including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Asad Qaiser, Raja Nasir Abbas and others criticized the government, demanded the release of all political prisoners and expressed serious concern over the situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The joint statement announced that February 8 – the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections – will be observed as a “black day” across the country to protest against the violation of the public mandate.
“A nationwide strike and shutdown will be observed on that day. People are urged to keep their businesses and transport closed, hoist black flags and hold peaceful protest rallies,” it said.
Noting strong representation from all sections of society, especially Sindh, including political leaders and civil society, the statement presented several demands based on participants’ input.
The APC called for the immediate appointment of a neutral CEC and fresh elections under a new ECP. It also demanded an independent investigation into the alleged rigging and opposed any plan to raise the voting age from 18 to 25.
The APC condemned the Sindh government’s governance, citing the Gul Plaza fire, dacoit rule in interior Sindh, traffic deaths in Karachi, children falling into open manholes, water shortages and dilapidated roads as evidence of administrative failure.
It called for the restoration of judicial independence, saying the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments undermined the judiciary. The statement also called for the immediate release of political prisoners including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and others.
The joint statement described the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) as a “black law” and demanded its immediate repeal. It condemned enforced disappearances and demanded the recovery of missing persons.
The conference called for economic relief, noting that 44% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, unemployment is at a 21-year high, industries are shutting down and multinational companies are leaving the country.
On the KP situation, the APC called for the implementation of the jirga’s demands, an end to the Tirah operation and consultation with the provincial government. Provincial autonomy and ownership of resources were also demanded, along with compliance with the 1991 Water Agreement.
Earlier, Mahmood Achakzai addressed the APC, TTAP Chief and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly that Pakistan could become the best country if the provinces were given rights and ownership of their resources.
Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser criticized the government and demanded the PTI founder’s release. He rejected the 2024 election results in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Raja Nasir Abbas said that every Pakistani must speak for their rights in the current situation.
