KARACHI:
An All Parties Conference (APC) held under the auspices of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) called on the masses to observe a nationwide lockdown and jam strike on February 8 against alleged fraud in the elections held two years ago.
The APC, held at the Karachi Press Club, 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).
Addressing 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 election, will be celebrated as a “Black Day” across the country to protest against the violation of public mandate.
“On that day there will be a national strike and closure due to wheel jams. People are urged to keep their businesses and transportation closed, raise black flags and organize peaceful protest demonstrations,” he said.
The statement highlighted strong representation from all segments of society, especially Sindh, including political leaders and civil society, and put forward several demands based on input from participants.
The APC called for the immediate appointment of a neutral CCA and new elections under a new ECP. He also demanded an independent investigation into the alleged fraud and opposed any plans to raise the voting age from 18 to 25.
The APC condemned the governance of the Sindh government, citing the Gul Plaza fire, dacoit rule in interior Sindh, deaths in traffic accidents in Karachi, children falling into open sewers, water shortage and broken roads as proof of administrative failure.
He demanded 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 called the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) a “black law” and demanded its immediate repeal. He condemned forced disappearances and demanded the recovery of missing persons.
The conference demanded economic relief, noting that 44% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, unemployment is at its highest level in 21 years, industries are closing and multinational companies are leaving the country.
On the KP situation, the APC called for the implementation of the jirga demands, an end to the Tirah operation and consultation with the provincial government. Provincial autonomy and resource ownership were also demanded, along with adherence to the 1991 Water Agreement.
Earlier, addressing the APC, TTAP chief and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Achakzai, said Pakistan could become the best country if the provinces were given rights and ownership of its resources.
Former NA president Asad Qaiser criticized the government and demanded the release of the PTI founder. He rejected the results of the 2024 elections in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Raja Nasir Abbas said that all Pakistanis must speak up for their rights in the current situation.
