ISLAMABAD: The Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) leaders on Friday called for accountability regarding recent violent incidents in Balochistan, cautioning that the situation in both Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) could deteriorate further if the government persists in avoiding dialogue and necessary political reforms.
TTAP, a coalition of opposition parties led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, initially formed as a six-party alliance including PTI, BNP-M, PkMAP, MWM, SIC, and Jamaat-i-Islami, has since expanded to include additional political figures and groups during its gatherings.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief and opposition leader Achakzai stated that the alliance had thoroughly reviewed recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan alongside the ongoing situation in Kashmir before addressing the media.
Highlighting the Ziarat attack that resulted in at least 40 fatalities, including 18 policemen, Achakzai criticized the deployment of security forces with inadequate ammunition and claimed that their urgent requests for reinforcements were ignored, leading to tragic losses.
“Forty lives have been lost, yet no inquiries have been initiated,” he asserted, demanding the dismissal of officials responsible for failing to provide timely assistance.
Achakzai emphasized that the alliance’s stance was not against Pakistan but sought recognition of the rights of its diverse populations. He insisted that Kashmir’s natural resources rightfully belong to Kashmiris, while Balochistan’s resources should primarily benefit the Baloch people.
Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed concern over the country’s justice crisis, citing enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged detentions. He questioned the duration of this ongoing oppression and affirmed the alliance’s solidarity with the families affected by violence in Balochistan.
BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal warned that the conditions in Balochistan and Kashmir were worsening, cautioning that government apathy would only deepen the crisis. He stressed that the disputes in these regions could not be resolved without meaningful dialogue.
Mengal also called for the recovery and judicial presentation of missing persons if alive, or for their families to be informed if they have died.
Senior lawyer and PTI leader Latif Khosa cautioned against repeating historical errors by ignoring grievances in Balochistan. He rejected the use of force as a solution, advocating instead for an independent judiciary, freedom of expression, and transparent elections.
Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair criticized the government’s economic management, highlighting rising inflation, unemployment, and declining investment that have burdened ordinary citizens. He noted that economic growth had stalled at zero despite official claims of progress.
Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar outlined the alliance’s agreed demands, including the resignation of the Balochistan government, cessation of alleged support for armed factions, and the release of political detainees.
“Our primary demand is the resignation of the entire Balochistan government, as every citizen of the province is in mourning,” Khokhar stated.
Regarding Kashmir, he supported postponing the upcoming elections, arguing that the current circumstances were unsuitable and that holding elections could exacerbate tensions, potentially leading to violence.
Khokhar added that the alliance would soon announce a schedule for public rallies after consultations with allied parties. He also mentioned plans for protests on August 5, marking three years since the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan.
