KARACHI:
An All Party Conference (APC) organized under the aegis of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) has called on the masses to observe a nationwide gridlock and shutdown strike on February 8 over allegations of 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).
Speaking 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 announces that February 8 – the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections – will be observed as a “Black Day” across the country to protest the violation of public mandate.
“A nationwide traffic strike and closures will be observed on that day. People are urged to keep their businesses and transportation closed, raise black flags and hold peaceful protest rallies,” he said.
The statement noted strong representation from all segments of society, especially from Sindh, including political leaders and civil society, and put forward several demands based on the participants’ contributions.
The APC called for the immediate appointment of a neutral CEC and fresh elections under the leadership of a new ECP. He also demanded an independent investigation into allegations of fraud and opposed any plans 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, road deaths in Karachi, children falling into open manholes, water shortages and potholed roads as evidence 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 calls the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) a “black law” and demands its immediate repeal. He condemned forced disappearances and demanded the recovery of missing people.
The conference called for economic relief, noting that 44 percent of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, unemployment is at a 21-year high, industries are closing and multinational corporations are leaving the country.
Regarding the situation in KP, the APC called for the implementation of the jirga’s demands, an end to Operation Tirah and consultation with the provincial government. Provincial autonomy and ownership of resources were also demanded, as well as adherence to the 1991 Water Accord.
Earlier, speaking to the APC, TTAP leader and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Achakzai said Pakistan could become the best country if provinces were given rights and ownership of their 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 every Pakistani must stand up for their rights in the current situation.
