In anticipation of a political rally in Pishin by the six-party opposition alliance, spearheaded by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the local government has imposed Section 144, citing concerns over the district’s law and order situation.
According to a notification issued by the district’s deputy commissioner, gatherings of more than five people are prohibited in Pishin, with Section 144 also affecting the closure of major highways.
The Government of Balochistan’s Home & Tribal Affairs Department, exercising powers under Section 144 Cr.P.C 1898, has banned blockades of national highways, roads, and red zones, including processions, rallies, and gatherings of five or more individuals across the province until further notice.
These directives were issued on behalf of the provincial government’s home and tribal affairs department.
Additionally, heavy rainfall has caused water accumulation at the rally ground, prompting measures to drain the water before the event.
Meanwhile, the six-party opposition alliance, aiming to launch a formal movement against the government, has labeled its protest campaign as “Movement to Protect the Constitution (Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin).”
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), the alliance strategized during a meeting in Quetta, appointing Mahmood Khan Achakzai of PkMAP as the movement’s president.
Key figures such as PTI Central General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan, BNP chief Akhtar Mengal, JI acting chief Liaquat Baloch, MWM chief Raja Nasir Abbas, and SIC chief Hamid Raza Qadri were present at the meeting.
Ayub Khan highlighted the significance of the opposition alliance’s gathering, emphasizing the protection of the constitution under Achakzai’s leadership and the establishment of a coordination committee for the movement.
Plans were made for subsequent meetings in Lahore on April 29, with a resolute rejection of the government’s actions based on Form 47, stressing the importance of constitutional adherence for the country’s future.
Achakzai reiterated the constitutional significance, pledging peaceful rallies to safeguard it, while Mengal regretted the delayed movement and emphasized the role of political forces and the public in its success.
SIC’s chief underscored the magnitude of “Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin,” affirming the party’s commitment to leading the movement for constitutional supremacy.
MWM’s representative echoed the sentiments, expressing readiness to endure challenges for the constitution’s supremacy amidst the prevailing lawlessness in the country.
