Pakistan’s opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP)—led by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)—is preparing for a nationwide protest following the resignation of Supreme Court judges in response to the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, according to Pakistani media reports.
The alliance met on Friday to finalise a joint strategy, with the session chaired by Mahmood Khan Achakzai and attended by senior PTI leaders including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, and several MNAs.
Speaking to media, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said the participants unanimously agreed that the current government was “not capable of running the country” and warned that Pakistan was “on the verge of a civil war.” He urged the judiciary to “stand on its feet,” emphasising that the nation would support it over the current constitutional crisis.
TTAP posted on X that a “most important meeting” was underway, with significant decisions expected. The alliance will announce its nationwide protest plan after Friday’s meeting.
What is the 27th Constitutional Amendment?
Signed on November 13 by President Asif Ali Zardari, the 27th Constitutional Amendment has sparked major political backlash for significantly expanding military authority.
Key provisions include:
- New powers for Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, who will now serve as Chief of Defence Forces, giving him command over the Army, Navy and Air Force.
- Creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), with its chief justice appointed by the government.
- The FCC will assume many responsibilities previously held by the Supreme Court, including constitutional disputes, intergovernmental cases, and matters tied to fundamental rights.
These sweeping changes are widely seen as reducing the Supreme Court’s authority, prompting judges to resign in protest and triggering political unrest.