Karachi: A delegation from the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) met Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) chief Pir Pagara on Saturday, extending an invitation for GDA to participate in a political conference set to take place in Islamabad on February 25 and 26.
The TTAP delegation included prominent figures such as former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Sardar Latif Khosa, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Nasir Shirazi, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Sajid Tareen, Akhunzada Hussain, and Haleem Adil Sheikh. Representing GDA were Pir Pagara, Syed Sadruddin Shah Rashdi, Dr Safdar Abbasi, Dr Fehmida Mirza, Liaquat Jatoi, Syed Zain Shah, Sardar Abdul Rahim, Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, Syed Muhammad Rashid Shah, Irfanullah Marwat, Moazzam Abbasi, Saira Bano, Barrister Husnain Mirza, Husam Mirza, and others.
Welcoming the TTAP representatives, Pir Pagara underscored the importance of the Constitution as the nation's foundation. He reiterated his stance that the current parliament lacks legitimacy and representation, which led to GDA members refraining from taking their oaths despite being elected.
GDA leaders, while addressing the media, stated that they would review TTAP’s invitation and make a decision following internal discussions.
During the meeting, Pir Pagara highlighted the necessity of upholding the Constitution to strengthen both the country and its institutions. Syed Sadruddin Shah Rashdi later stated that the GDA and TTAP shared a mutual understanding on issues affecting Sindh and the federation.
One of the key topics discussed was the opposition to the construction of six additional canals on the Indus River. TTAP leaders expressed their support for the GDA’s stance, emphasizing that these projects pose a threat to national interests and vowed to challenge them.
The discussions also covered the 26th constitutional amendment and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with both sides finding common ground on several matters.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser reiterated that all political parties had been invited to the Islamabad gathering. Responding to a question, he affirmed their commitment to advocating for constitutional supremacy through legal and public means. He also revealed that, in consultation with Imran Khan, they had met the chief justice of Pakistan to voice their opposition to the 26th amendment, dismissing any reliance on external forces to intervene.
Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai acknowledged Pir Pagara’s historic contributions to the country’s independence movement.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders called on other political parties to join their struggle for democratic rights and the rule of law, addressing a convention at the Karachi Bar Association.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stressed the party’s dedication to fighting for the people of Pakistan. He highlighted grievances such as Sindh’s water shortages and human rights violations in Balochistan, vowing to advocate for the rights of all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan.
He also criticized restrictions on free speech and the dissolution of trade unions, stating that PTI was standing against these injustices. He added that the party’s founder had instructed them to engage with figures such as Manzoor Pashteen and Mahrang Baloch to build alliances.
Sardar Latif Khosa claimed that the judiciary had been compromised through the 26th amendment, alleging that a party with only 17 seats in the last elections was now in power, while the leader of the largest parliamentary group remained imprisoned.
Sunni Ittehad Council chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza accused the ruling party of using financial influence and coercion to push the amendment through parliament, with lawmakers reportedly being subjected to pressure and mistreatment.
Other political and legal representatives, including PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Nasir Sherazi of Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen, and Sajid Tareen of BNP-Mengal, also spoke at the event, reiterating their commitment to the movement for constitutional supremacy.
