Islamabad, July 24, 2025: A coalition of opposition parties under the newly formed banner Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), including the Imran Khan-founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced plans to hold an all-party conference (APC) on July 31 to unite political forces against what it terms rising authoritarianism and economic mismanagement.
“The first step of our movement is the all-party conference,” said TTAP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a former Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) member and ex-spokesperson for Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Speaking at a press conference alongside TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Khokhar stated, “All those who feel oppressed under the current regime will be invited to the APC. Everyone troubled by state repression is welcome.”
Outlining the alliance’s objectives, Achakzai clarified that TTAP was not formed for political theatrics but to restore genuine democratic representation through a neutral and independent Election Commission.
He sharply criticised the current government, alleging that even elected representatives are denied access to their detained leaders. “The way Shehbaz and company have imposed their control is undemocratic and unacceptable,” Achakzai asserted.
Renowned religious scholar Allama Nasir Abbas joined the opposition leaders in condemning the political environment, saying that if democracy truly existed in Pakistan, controversial decisions on reserved seats would not have been taken.
He criticised the silence of mainstream parties on the matter and accused the system of manipulating public will. “While we do not believe in armed struggle, we will not remain silent,” he warned. Abbas announced a major protest on August 5, cautioning the government against any attempt to suppress it. “If they try to obstruct our peaceful demonstration, they alone will bear responsibility for the consequences,” he said.
Addressing the worsening economic situation, Khokhar lamented that purchasing power has collapsed, with salaried individuals struggling to meet basic expenses. He cited the ongoing sugar crisis, saying, “Sugar is now being sold at Rs200 per kilogramme, yet no action has been taken. The scandal is hiding in plain sight.”
Khokhar also strongly criticised the suppression of dissent and shrinking space for free expression. “Those who ask questions are punished. The freedom of the press has been taken away,” he said, pledging TTAP’s solidarity with journalists and marginalised communities.
Reaffirming the movement’s commitment to non-violence, Khokhar declared: “We will take to the streets through peaceful means and raise our voice on every platform for the rights of the common citizen.”
