Opposition alliance launches protest movement with Pishin power show

PISHIN: The six-party opposition alliance launched its protest drive against the government on Saturday with a rally in Baloshitan’s Pishin where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub vowed to reclaim their rights through the “Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin”.

“The people of the country has come forward to make this movement successful,” the politician said during his address in front of a charged crowd. The gathering was held at the Taj Lala Football Stadium in Pishin after the alliance comprising PTI, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP), Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) decided to begin a nationwide movement against the government.

Senior leaders and members of the opposition parties — including BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, SIC chief Hamid Raza, JI’s Dr Ataur Rehman and others — were all present at the gathering.

It should be noted that the political rally was held despite the imposition of Section 144 owing to the law & order situation in the district.

Lamenting the imposition of restrictions, the PTI politician said: “The government of Balochistan has placed check-posts on the way to Pishin.” Omar Ayub, during his address, spoke about the release of his party’s founder Imran Khan and others.

Addressing the gathering, BNP chief Mengal said he doesn’t consider the government formed at the Centre as the government of Pakistan. “This government is Form 47 government. This is the government of the Election Commission,” he said, adding that the country’s mandate was stolen during the February 8 general elections.

Mengal, while lamenting the formation of government in Balochistan, said: “In Balochistan, such people were made successful who are not even recognised by the people in their neighbourhood.”

The veteran politician said that “Section 144 is imposed whenever we protest for our rights. We do not recognise the government of Section 144 and Form 47 of the Election Commission.” Their movement, he added, will continue until the supremacy of the Constitution and acquisition of rights.

JI Deputy Amir Dr Ataur Rehman, during his address at the gathering, said that the opposition parties are united to defend the Constitution, as the supremacy of the Constitution is essential in the country. “The opposition alliance will move forward under the leadership of Mehmood Khan Achakzai.”

Lamenting the imposition of Section 144, PkMAP General Secretary Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal said the administration has placed obstacles in the way of workers. “Our guests were also banned from staying in the rest house.”

SIC chief Hamid Raza, in his address to the rally, said: “Pakistan belongs to all of us, but people are tortured.” He maintained that no one can stand before the power of people. “On February 8, it was proven that people voted for PTI. The party is still talking about people’s rights and civil supremacy.”

During the rally, the opposition alliance presented a resolution under the banner of the movement. “This meeting is for the struggle and to get the rights of people. We will not hesitate to make any sacrifices to achieve the rights,” said PkMAP politician Zairatwal, reading the resolution. He added that the elected parliament should be the source of making internal and external policies. “Election results should be compiled and announced under Form 45,” the politico stated.