TTAP convoy reaches Lahore despite police action, arrests

Several workers were detained during the journey, while vehicles in convoy were vandalised at multiple locations

LAHORE:

A convoy of the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) reached Lahore on Thursday despite police action, arrests and obstruction along the route, as the opposition alliance pressed ahead with its street mobilisation campaign ahead of the second anniversary of the Feb. 8, 2024, general elections.

The delegation, headed by TTAP chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, departed from Islamabad earlier in the day via the GT Road and entered Lahore in the evening. The alliance said several of its workers were detained during the journey, while vehicles in the convoy were vandalised at multiple locations.

"Despite fascism, oppression and all obstacles, the caravan of TTAP successfully reached Lahore," the PTI Punjab chapter said in a post on X.

According to TTAP, containers were placed by the Lahore administration to block routes near Data Darbar, while police action was reported in Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Kharian, Wazirabad and Lahore. The alliance claimed that "dozens" of workers belonging to the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), a TTAP constituent party, were arrested in Lahore, including MWM Senior Vice President Syed Hussain Kazmi.

TTAP also alleged that the son of MWM chief and TTAP Vice Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas was taken into custody. However, a Gujranwala police official denied the arrest, saying he was briefly stopped for questioning after a police constable was struck by a vehicle linked to a PTI rally and was later released.

The PTI, condemning what it described as "fascism and oppression" by Punjab police, alleged that peaceful party workers were detained and that the vehicles of PTI lawmakers Malik Fahad, Raja Tanvir and Sardar Muhammad Ali were vandalised near Kharian. The party also claimed that unidentified individuals damaged convoy vehicles in Gujrat.

In a separate statement, PTI alleged that late-night raids were conducted on the homes of its workers in Lahore, claiming that a party worker, Rashid Yousuf Jan, died during a raid in Hanjarwal. The party demanded the immediate release of all "unjustly arrested" individuals and accountability for what it termed unconstitutional actions.

Addressing workers after reaching Lahore, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the movement had been launched for the restoration of the Constitution and the rule of law. He urged the public to raise their voices against oppression, warning that delayed action would lead to further sacrifices.

Earlier, while addressing supporters in Jhelum, Abbas alleged that the public mandate had been stolen in the 2024 elections and said the alliance would take to the streets across the country on Feb. 8 in protest.

Speaking before departing for Lahore, Achakzai said the movement would remain peaceful. "We are not going to conquer anyone or throw stones. We have set out to end oppression and cruelty," he said, calling on the public to stand with the opposition against what he described as an imposed Parliament.

Achakzai, who has been nominated as the next opposition leader in the National Assembly, said the country was facing deep political and economic crises due to what he termed flawed decisions. He appealed to citizens to observe protests on Feb 8, urging traders and transporters to close shops, rickshaws and taxis in solidarity.

TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain said Achakzai and Abbas would remain in Lahore for three days. Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser are also expected to participate in political activities during the visit.

According to Lahore High Court Bar Association President Asif Nuswana, Achakzai will address lawyers at the Lahore Bar and the Lahore High Court Bar on Friday (today) after Jumma prayers, on the invitation of the Insaf Lawyers Forum.

The TTAP's street campaign coincides with calls by opposition parties to observe Feb 8 as a "black day" marking two years since the 2024 general elections, which they allege were marred by rigging and manipulation. The alliance has also reiterated demands for an independent judiciary and election commission, the release of political prisoners and renewed dialogue to ease political tensions.