The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) announced on Wednesday that it will begin nationwide protests against the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment starting Friday. The alliance, led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, condemned the government’s decision to approve major constitutional changes without proper consultation or debate.
The amendment, passed by the National Assembly following Senate approval, introduces significant adjustments to the judicial system and military command structure, which opposition leaders claim undermine the Constitution’s balance of power.
Achakzai Offers Talks, Demands Restoration of “Stolen Mandate”
TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai expressed willingness to hold discussions with the government but clarified that such talks would only concern the return of what he described as the stolen public mandate. He stated that the opposition’s movement would not only protest the new amendment but also demand electoral transparency and accountability from the ruling coalition.
Achakzai said the opposition stands united in defending the Constitution and will mobilize the public against what he termed “unconstitutional maneuvers.”
PTI Vows to Reverse Amendment if Back in Power
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan sharply criticized the government for introducing the amendment “in haste.” He accused the coalition parties — primarily the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — of making “self-serving decisions” that weaken judicial independence.
Gohar declared that if PTI returns to power, it will repeal the 27th Amendment and restore the previous judicial structure. He particularly objected to the newly inserted clauses in Article 260, describing them as turning the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) position into a revolving post under the new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) framework.
According to him, the amendment stipulates that Justice Yahya Afridi will remain CJP until 2027, after which the FCC’s top judge will take over the position. Gohar argued that this move effectively politicizes judicial leadership.
Criticism Over Presidential Immunity Clause
The PTI leader also criticized the inclusion of presidential immunity in the amendment, calling it a blow to accountability. He said while the amendment protects the president in court, it cannot shield political leaders from public scrutiny. Gohar warned that “those seeking legal immunity will still face moral and political accountability from the people.”
Opposition’s Strategy Moving Forward
Opposition leaders plan to hold public rallies, media briefings, and peaceful demonstrations across Pakistan to build momentum against the amendment. The alliance has framed its campaign as a movement for constitutional protection and judicial independence, warning the government of intensified street agitation if the changes are not withdrawn.
With the political temperature rising, the coming days are expected to test both the government’s resolve and the opposition’s ability to unite the public around its cause.
