Opposition in upbeat mood

2026-01-28 - 01:11

THE Opposition seems to be in an upbeat mood rejecting possibility of any withdrawal for its February 08 protest call and instead is chalking out comprehensive plans to demonstrate its muscles at all costs and at different levels. A meeting of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held on Monday with Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the chair urged people to keep their shutters down and also hinted at the possibility of Jail bharo tehreek (court arrest movement). It formed10 committees at international, national and provincial levels to ensure the success of the strike and decided to observe it as a Black Day. Separately, JUI (F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also announced its plans to add its voice against, what the Opposition calls, massive rigging in the last general election. Traditionally, the credibility of almost every election has been challenged by the Opposition of the time and the alleged rigging in February 08 elections is one of the main issues for the PTI and JUI (F) as they claim their mandate has been stolen. In a democracy, there is nothing wrong if some political parties launch an appeal for a nation-wide protest as they are entitled to raise their voice on important issues and seek remedies for their concerns. However, it has been observed that such protests invariably turn out violent due to the tendency of imposing will on others through the use of force, resulting in loss of life and property. It is not yet clear whether the call is restricted for February 08 alone or it will mark the beginning of a movement. Anyhow, keeping the protest peaceful might prove to be a difficult proposition in view of the past experience and threats being hurled to march on the Federal Capital but it will be a major test of leadership of Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who has democratic credentials and believes in peaceful struggles. The Opposition can surely highlight its grievances through peaceful struggle but no attempt should be made to create a law and order situation or hinder movement of people and goods on any pretext. The best course would be to engage in table talks and use the platform of the parliament to find out ways and means to enhance credibility of elections and legitimacy of the governments formed after general elections.