TOBA TEK SINGH: A multi-party opposition alliance has decided to approach courts to seek permission for a rally in Faisalabad on May 17 as a part of its movement to ‘save’ the Constitution.

The Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, formed last month, is a six-party alliance for sup­re­macy of the rule of law and protection of the Constitution. As a part of its drive, it had decided to hold power shows in Faisalabad and Karachi.

Addressing a lawyers’ convention in Faisalabad on Wednesday, Sunni Ittehad Council head Hamid Raza said they had decided to proceed with the rally even if the government did not grant permission, but Imran Khan opposed the idea, saying the party workers would bear the brunt.

Subsequently, the PTI founder asked his legal team to approach the courts for permission, he added.

The alliance head, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, said he urged CM Maryam Nawaz to order the Punjab police chief to allow the public gathering in the city as he also supported her father Nawaz Sharif’s narrative for civilian supremacy. “Now that the PTI is victorious on all NA seats in Faisalabad except for one, then why is it being denied permission to organise a public meeting in the city,” he added.

He also slammed the establishment for its role in politics, saying each time a civilian leader demanded supremacy of law they were termed ‘anti-state’ by the powers that be.

Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser said that Imran’s political career revolved around the supremacy of law and he would never compromise on the Constitution.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2024

Opinion

Accessing the RSF

Accessing the RSF

RSF can help catalyse private sector inves­tment encouraging investment flows, build upon institutional partnerships with MDBs, other financial institutions.

Editorial

Madressah oversight
Updated 19 Dec, 2024

Madressah oversight

Bill should be reconsidered and Directorate General of Religious Education, formed to oversee seminaries, should not be rolled back.
Kurram’s misery
Updated 19 Dec, 2024

Kurram’s misery

The state must recognise that allowing such hardship to continue undermines its basic duty to protect citizens’ well-being.
Hiking gas rates
19 Dec, 2024

Hiking gas rates

IMPLEMENTATION of a new Ogra recommendation to increase the gas prices by an average 8.7pc or Rs142.45 per mmBtu in...
Geopolitical games
Updated 18 Dec, 2024

Geopolitical games

While Assad may be gone — and not many are mourning the end of his brutal rule — Syria’s future does not look promising.
Polio’s toll
18 Dec, 2024

Polio’s toll

MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two ...
Development expenditure
18 Dec, 2024

Development expenditure

PAKISTAN’S infrastructure development woes are wide and deep. The country must annually spend at least 10pc of its...