Pakistan opposition alliance caravan enters Punjab capital for street mobilization

A coalition of opposition parties in Pakistan, led by Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP), entered Lahore on Thursday as part of a planned “street mobilization” campaign.

TTAP Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Vice Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas traveled via the Grand Trunk Road, accompanied by TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain, aiming to engage supporters through political and social gatherings across the provincial capital.

The mobilization comes ahead of the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections, which opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), allege were marred by rigging and manipulation.

Addressing reporters, Achakzai said the alliance’s focus was on defending the Constitution and combating oppression. “We have not come here to confront anyone with violence. We are here to safeguard the constitution and eradicate injustice,” he said.

He warned that Pakistan faced risks of institutional and political failure and added that regional relations were deteriorating under the current administration.

Arrests and allegations of police action

TTAP reported that several of its workers were detained by Punjab police during the campaign.

Dozens of members from the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), part of the TTAP alliance, were taken into custody in Lahore, including Senior Vice President Syed Hussain Kazmi, the group said.

The PTI condemned the arrests, accusing the Punjab police of acting on political orders and targeting unarmed, peaceful participants.

“Multiple delegation members who posed no threat were subjected to harsh treatment by the authorities,” the party said in a statement.

At a recent national TTAP conference, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Afridi announced plans to observe a “black day” on February 8, marking the second anniversary of the 2024 polls.

The alliance also called for a new Charter of Democracy, an independent judiciary and election commission, and the release of political prisoners, arguing these steps are essential for restoring political stability.

The PTI and the ruling coalition have remained in conflict since the 2024 elections, with repeated protest movements met by security measures and police action.