Pakistan’s opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Ayin Pakistan (TTAP), has called for an all-party conference to address the country’s deteriorating security situation.
The demand comes after a deadly terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express. At a press conference on Friday, TTAP leaders condemned the attack and urged all political forces to unite in formulating a response to terrorism and Balochistan’s security challenges.
TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai stressed the need for dialogue, saying Pakistan’s institutions must discuss the rule of law. "Everyone knows how the elections were held—with force and coercion. A year has passed, but the crisis remains unresolved,” he said.
"We must step back and hold a conference with all stakeholders. The solution lies in an all-party conference.”
Achakzai added that the country’s institutions must move forward under the Constitution. "The army, soldiers, and everyone fighting this war belong to this country. The way forward is to forgive past mistakes and implement the Constitution in its true spirit.”
Tribute to security forces
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan praised security forces for preventing a larger tragedy. "The security forces acted swiftly and averted another APS-like attack. We pay tribute to them and strongly condemn this terrorism,” he said.
Gohar also criticized the government for its response. "PTI was the first to speak against this attack in the assembly, but instead of addressing terrorism, government ministers focused on criticizing PTI over social media posts,” he said.
He called for an all-party conference to develop a joint strategy to combat rising terrorism, including in Balochistan.
Call for an in-camera briefing
Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza urged the government to hold an in-camera briefing on the Balochistan security situation. "There was chaos for 24 hours—who is responsible? The federal defense minister?” he asked.
Raza said opposition leaders had serious concerns but did not want to create further instability. "We don’t want to spread anarchy by raising certain questions publicly. That’s why a closed-door briefing is necessary. We have decided to convene a grand conference under the opposition Grand Alliance.”
He criticized the government’s silence. "The defense minister has not said a single word about the Jaffar Express attack. We want Pakistan to move forward—that is Imran Khan’s vision,” he said.
Government failure and political unity
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser blamed the government for security lapses. "This was a security failure. If they had the moral courage, they would admit their mistake,” he said.
Qaiser accused the ruling coalition of prioritizing political maneuvers over national security. "Pakistanis have become a spectacle in the world because of those with stolen mandates. Instead of addressing key issues, they are focused on dismantling PTI,” he said.
He called for political unity. "This country belongs to our children. We want to continue the struggle within constitutional limits. Until a government of real representatives is in place, such incidents will continue,” he said.
Qaiser also called for an independent judiciary. "Unnecessary pressure on the judiciary must end. We need to unite all leadership for Pakistan’s future and create a comprehensive action plan,” he said.
The opposition alliance’s demands come amid rising concerns over Pakistan’s security, particularly in Balochistan, where insurgent attacks have increased in recent months.
