Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP), strongly criticised state conduct, saying that while Pakistan was described as a “fortress of Islam,” Islam itself appeared to have been imprisoned within it. Addressing the Aiwan-e-Adl gathering in Lahore on Friday, he condemned violence against women and children and denounced the use of live ammunition against protesters at D-Chowk.
He also rebuked police actions, alleging mistreatment of detainees, and questioned claims of Pakistan being an Islamic state under such circumstances.
Speaking about political unity, Achakzai says he has not come to Lahore to abuse other political parties but to stand with the oppressed. He stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) enjoyed unprecedented public support, yet its founding leader remains behind bars due to a lack of discipline within the party. Political movements required organisation and discipline to succeed.
Referring to recent protests, he noted that despite the presence of MNAs and MPAs, no loudspeakers were used, highlighting organisational weaknesses.
Addressing the youth, he appealed for roads to remain empty on February 8 as a form of peaceful protest, stressing that their movement would remain non-violent and free from abuse or hate speech.
Addressing the gathering, Allama Raja Nasir said Allah had granted human beings the right to freedom, which was also guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan, but an oppressive regime had undermined the justice system, people’s right to defence and public mandate through constitutional amendments.
He urged the public to stand against those who snatched freedom and voting rights, stressing that “Hussainiyat” was not a slogan but a principled stand against oppression, adding that the country could not survive without protecting people’s rights.
Calling on authorities to acknowledge their mistakes, Achakzai urged them to come forward to protect the Constitution. Addressing the lawyer’s community at Aiwan-e-Adl, Achakzai warned that anyone who violated or opposed the Constitution deserved rejection, declaring that every individual acting against it is what he called “murda baad.”
He concluded by saying that while institutions such as the army and intelligence agencies were necessary, they must remain within constitutional boundaries, warning that any violation of the Constitution would be openly opposed.
He also announced his support for Irfan Hayat Bajwa, the presidential candidate of the Hamid Khan group, in the Lahore Bar Association elections scheduled to be held on January 10.