Former Prime Minister and Awaam Pakistan party leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday accused those in power of undermining democracy and weakening the judicial system. He made these remarks while addressing a conference organized by the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, in Islamabad.
Following the collapse of government-opposition negotiations in January, the PTI renewed efforts to form a united front against the federal government, enlisting Abbasi to join its movement. The two-day conference, which commenced today, brought together opposition leaders to deliberate on the country’s political climate and pressing national issues.
During his speech, Abbasi took aim at the ruling PML-N and PPP coalition, remarking, “These very people who once championed the ideals I stand for today are now the ones stifling democracy, eroding judicial independence, and failing to curb political instability. What compels them to take such actions?”
He lamented the state of political affairs, asserting that when political leaders forsake their principles, governance suffers. “In Pakistan today, even speaking freely is being curtailed. Laws are being enacted to suppress public discourse and dismantle the judicial system,” he said, referencing the recently introduced Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025 (PECA).
Abbasi criticized the ruling authorities for obstructing the conference, revealing that three venues had to be changed due to government intervention. “The government is so fearful that even a closed-door discussion on the Constitution faces hurdles. We are grateful to the legal fraternity for offering this space,” he remarked.
Emphasizing the need for civic engagement, he called on the public to advocate for constitutional supremacy and democratic values. “This is an open platform, and safeguarding democracy is a collective responsibility,” he stated.
Regarding the opposition alliance, Abbasi acknowledged ideological differences among parties but underscored their shared commitment to upholding the Constitution, legal integrity, and judicial independence.
In April last year, PTI established the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, comprising various political factions, including the Sunni Ittehad Council, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Balochistan National Party-Mengal, Jamaat-i-Islami, and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen. More recently, TTAP leaders reached out to Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) chief Pir Pagara, extending an invitation to join the national conference.
Speaking on behalf of PTI, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja reiterated the party’s stance on upholding democratic rights. “Our political struggle is for the people of Pakistan, and we urge others to stand with us in this fight for the nation’s survival,” he stated. He further highlighted restrictions on freedom of expression and the dismantling of trade unions, affirming that PTI is actively opposing such injustices.
Raja revealed that party founder Imran Khan had instructed them to engage with various political and rights groups, including Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leader Manzoor Pashteen and activist Mahrang Baloch, to build a broad-based coalition against government overreach.
