Opposition announces countrywide protest from tomorrow
ISLAMABAD: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the opposition alliance, has announced the launch of a protest movement starting tomorrow (Friday) against the government over the 27th Constitutional Amendment and other issues.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Achakzai and other opposition leaders said they are open to negotiations, but emphasized that talks must focus on returning their mandate.
The announcement comes a day after the National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority. The new text of the amendment is scheduled to be sent to the Senate today for approval.
Earlier, during a National Assembly session, opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai dramatically tore up a copy of the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill while expressing his objections.
Speaking on the floor, Achakzai criticized the government, stating, “This government was formed under Form 47. Now tell us, can such a parliament have the authority to amend the Constitution?”
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar told the media that his party will not support the amendments, and that they plan to walk out, protest, and deliver speeches in opposition to the bill.
When asked about the expected presence of Nawaz Sharif in parliament, Barrister Gohar commented that Sharif, whether he attends or not, is now politically irrelevant, and no red carpet has been rolled out for him in the National Assembly.
