ISLAMABAD: Calling the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment a “9/11 on Pakistan”, Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai announced a nationwide protest, arguing the measure would “shatter the foundation of the country”.
Mr Achakzai said the peaceful protest would be held under the slogan of a Habib Jalib ghazal: “Aise Dastoor Ko, Subh-i-BeNoor Ko, Me Nahi Manta, Mai Nahi Janta”.
Speaking at a news conference at the National Press Club, he announced two additional slogans: “death for dictatorship and democracy live long” and “free the prisoners”.
Mr Achakzai described himself as a “true patriotic” who has taken the oath to protect the country five times, noting that the current National Assembly speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, administered two of those oaths.
Opposition alliance announces nationwide protests; plans to observe ‘Black Day’
He recalled an exchange from 1993 with then-speaker Gohar Ayub Khan.
“I spoke to the speaker that he has taken an oath of protecting the Constitution from hundreds of people, but how will we protect the constitution,” Mr Achakzai said. “I suggested taking another oath from us that if any general violated the constitution, we will be on the roads. However, my suggestion was not considered.”
Mr Achakzai drew a parallel with Afghanistan, noting the shared language and blood. “We can only forgive them if there will be constitution and democracy in Pakistan,” he said.
He criticised the country’s economic state, stating that 45 percent of people live below the poverty line while some seek lifetime impunity from the law.
“Then who will be investigated, a drug addict who steals money for the drugs or food?” he asked, claiming that those who commit minor crimes will be punished while those who “loot the country will have impunity”.
Mr Achakzai argued that the country cannot be protected by empowering a single individual but by strengthening its constitution and people.
“We appeal to all sections of society that it is an attack on the foundation of the country, so all should rise and resist against the conspiracy to smash the Parliament,” he said. “We all should get united and make a system to protect the country before it gets too late, here people are being killed, and they are being pushed to take the weapons in their hands.”
Another TTAP leader, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, said the 27th Amendment was designed to protect the interests of certain individuals and was disconnected from the issues facing the public.
A draft of the TTAP’s plans detailed a National Conference to be held this week to strategise against the amendment. The day after the amendment is passed will be observed as a “Black Day,” with lawyers and citizens encouraged to wear black arm strips.
It claimed that the 1973 constitution was no more representative of the masses and was being used to protect the power in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Larkana.
The movement will also involve publishing articles in national and international newspapers and establishing committees to meet with stakeholders, including bar councils and retired Supreme Court judges.
Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2025
