Islamabad, Nov 18 — The joint opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP) staged a major protest march from Parliament House to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, strongly condemning the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment. Alliance leaders announced that a nationwide ‘Black Day’ would be observed on Friday to highlight what they termed “continued constitutional violations” in Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters, TTAP leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the march symbolised their struggle for safeguarding the Constitution. He criticised the government for shutting “all avenues of justice,” adding that freedom of expression was being stifled. “People have been silenced, fundamental rights are being violated, and we will not remain quiet,” he stated.
The protests erupted after President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill on November 13, making it part of the Constitution following its passage in both houses of Parliament.
On Monday, PTI Members of the Provincial Assembly also marched from the Punjab Assembly to Charing Cross to oppose the amendment. Carrying party flags and placards declaring “We reject 27th Constitutional Amendment,” the lawmakers demanded a full debate in the assembly. PTI secretary-general Salman Akram Raja accused the government of targeting the judiciary, stating that a compromised judicial system could not defend the oppressed. He vowed continued struggle for judicial independence and the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Opposition to the amendment has also grown in Sindh. On November 16, activists from the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Sindhiyani Tehreek held demonstrations against the amendment, corporate farming, new canal projects, honour killings, and resource exploitation. PAT President Vasand Thari called the 27th Amendment an “attack on democracy,” alleging it undermined fundamental rights and empowered rulers to exploit Sindh’s resources without accountability.
