Opposition leaders in Pakistan’s parliament have announced a major nationwide protest campaign against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, terming it a serious threat to the nation’s constitutional democracy.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas Jafri, the leaders of the opposition in the National Assembly and Senate, respectively, made the declaration at a joint press conference. Both leaders also serve as chairman and vice-chairman of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan.
A “Critical Turning Point” for Pakistan
The leaders framed the current moment as a historical crisis. Specifically, Allama Nasir Abbas Jafri stated that Pakistan finds itself at a “critical turning point in history.” Its Constitution and parliamentary system are under severe strain.
He drew a stark comparison, equating the situation to the national crisis of 1971. “Pakistan broke apart in 1971, and today the country faces a similar crisis,” Jafri said. “Furthermore, democratic institutions have been paralysed and laws are being introduced to make the powerful even more powerful.”
Read: 27th Constitutional Amendment Tabled in Pakistan Senate
To emphasise his point, he quoted the famous poet Habib Jalib: “Aisay Dastoor Ko, Subha-e-Be-Noor Ko, Main Nahin Manta, Main Nahin Janta.” He stated that the campaign would represent the unified voice of all Pakistanis. They support the protection of the Constitution.
آئین عمرانی معاہدہ ہوتا ہے۔ آئین کے ساتھ کھلواڑ کیا جارہا ہے۔ ہماری اپنی پارلیمنٹ آئین پر حملہ آور ہے اس لئے ہمارے پاس کوئی دوسرا راستہ نہیں، ہم عوام کے پاس جائیں گے۔ ہماری تحریک کل رات سے شروع ہوگی۔
ہمارا سلوگن ہوگا
جمہوریت زندہ باد
آمریت مردہ باد
قیدیوں کو رہا کرو pic.twitter.com/Z70tezJiET
— Mehmood Khan Achakzai (@MKAchakzaiPKMAP) November 8, 2025Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the opposition leader in the National Assembly, elaborated on their strategy. He declared that the movement would now shift from parliamentary forums to the public arena.
“We are going to the people, for they are the true source of power,” Achakzai stated. “Consequently, the time for waiting is over. The movement begins now.”
Read: 27th Constitutional Amendment Proposed Military Command Changes in Pakistan
He also criticised the current state of parliament, describing it as a “debating society” lacking genuine authority. Despite taking an oath to protect the Constitution five times, he said, “today, parliament itself is under constitutional attack.” The opposition leaders outlined the core demands that will guide their protest campaign:
- Uphold democracy and reject dictatorship.
- Release all political prisoners.
- Protect the Constitution from destabilising changes.
- Preserve parliamentary sovereignty.
Achakzai issued a call to action for all political parties and groups to join the campaign in defence of constitutional rule. The movement will begin immediately, starting with the slogan ‘Allahu Akbar’.
