Conference slammed Sindh governance, raised economic hardship claims, called to implementing jirga demands
KARACHI:
An All Parties Conference (APC) held under the aegis of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) called on the masses to observe a nationwide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike on February 8 against alleged rigging in the elections held two years ago.
The APC, held at the Karachi Press Club, issued a joint declaration 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, criticised the government, demanded the release of all political prisoners and expressed serious concern over the situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
The joint declaration 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 wheel-jam strike and shutter-down will be observed on that day. People are urged to keep their businesses and transport closed, hoist black flags and take out peaceful protest rallies,” it said.
The declaration noted strong representation from all segments of society, especially Sindh, including political leaders and civil society, and 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 probe 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 broken roads as proof of administrative failure.
It demanded the restoration of judicial independence, saying the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments undermined the judiciary. The declaration also called for the immediate release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and others.
The joint declaration described the Prevention of the 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 demanded 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 K-P situation, the APC called for 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 adherence to the 1991 Water Accord.
Earlier, addressing the APC, TTAP chief and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Achakzai said Pakistan could become the best country if provinces were granted rights and ownership of their resources.
Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser criticised 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 every Pakistani must speak for their rights in the current situation.
