LAHORE: Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Friday strongly criticised the conduct of state institutions, saying that while Pakistan is described as a “fortress of Islam,” Islam itself appears to have been confined within the country.
Addressing a gathering at Aiwan-e-Adl in Lahore, Achakzai 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.
Speaking on political unity, Achakzai said he had not come to Lahore to attack other political parties but to stand alongside the oppressed. He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) enjoys unprecedented public support, yet its founding leader remains incarcerated due to what he described as a lack of discipline and organisation within the party, stressing that political movements require structure and discipline to succeed.
Referring to recent protests, he pointed out that despite the presence of MNAs and MPAs, no loudspeakers were used, which he said reflected organisational shortcomings.
Addressing the youth, Achakzai called for a peaceful protest on February 8 by keeping roads empty, emphasising that the movement would remain non-violent and free from abuse or hate speech.
Also addressing the gathering, Allama Raja Nasir said that Allah had granted human beings the right to freedom, which is also guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan. He alleged that an oppressive system had weakened the justice system and undermined people’s right to defence and their public mandate through constitutional amendments.
He urged citizens to resist those who had stripped them of their freedoms and voting rights, saying that “Hussainiyat” represents a principled stand against oppression rather than a mere slogan. He warned that the country could not survive without safeguarding the rights of its people.
Calling on authorities to acknowledge their mistakes, Achakzai urged them to come forward to protect the Constitution. Addressing the legal community, he said anyone who violated or opposed the Constitution deserved rejection, declaring that every individual acting against it should be opposed.
He concluded by stating that institutions such as the army and intelligence agencies are necessary for the country, but must operate strictly within constitutional limits, warning that any violation of the Constitution would be openly resisted.
Achakzai also announced his support for Irfan Hayat Bajwa, the presidential candidate of the Hamid Khan group, in the Lahore Bar Association elections scheduled for January 10.
