Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP), strongly criticised the conduct of the state, saying that while Pakistan is often described as a “fortress of Islam,” Islam itself appears to be imprisoned within the country.
Addressing a gathering at Aiwan-e-Adl in Lahore on Friday, he condemned violence against women and children and denounced the use of live ammunition against protesters at D-Chowk.
He also criticised police actions, alleging mistreatment of detainees, and questioned claims of Pakistan being an Islamic state under such circumstances.
Commenting on political unity, Achakzai said he had not come to Lahore to target other political parties but to stand with the oppressed. He said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) enjoys unprecedented public support, yet its founding leader remains imprisoned due to what he described as a lack of discipline within the party. He added that political movements can only succeed through organisation and discipline.
Referring to recent protests, he noted that despite the presence of MNAs and MPAs, no loudspeakers were used, highlighting organisational weaknesses.
Addressing the youth, he appealed for roads to remain empty on February 8 as a form of peaceful protest, stressing that their movement would remain non-violent and free from abuse or hate speech.
Addressing the gathering, Allama Raja Nasir said Allah had granted human beings the right to freedom, which was also guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan, but an oppressive regime had undermined the justice system, people’s right to defence and public mandate through constitutional amendments.
He urged the public to stand against those who snatched freedom and voting rights, stressing that “Hussainiyat” was not a slogan but a principled stand against oppression, adding that the country could not survive without protecting people’s rights.
Calling on authorities to acknowledge their mistakes, Achakzai urged them to come forward to protect the Constitution. Addressing the lawyer’s community at Aiwan-e-Adl, Achakzai warned that anyone who violated or opposed the Constitution deserved rejection, declaring that every individual acting against it is what he called “murda baad.”
He concluded by saying that while institutions such as the army and intelligence agencies were necessary, they must remain within constitutional boundaries, warning that any violation of the Constitution would be openly opposed.
He also announced his support for Irfan Hayat Bajwa, the presidential candidate of the Hamid Khan group, in the Lahore Bar Association elections scheduled to be held on January 10.
Source: Express Tribune
