TTAP sounds alarm over “Pandora’s Box” 27th Amendment, vows protests and legal push

Leaders of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held an emergency press conference Tuesday and warned that moves toward a proposed 27th constitutional amendment threaten Pakistan’s democratic framework and the independence of key institutions.

Speaking at the briefing, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser described the proposed changes as the opening of a “Pandora’s box.”

He said a tweet by PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, which TTAP interprets as signalling party support for the amendment, was “worrying” and suggested the Pakistan People’s Party was complicit in a wider effort to undermine democratic norms.

“Asad Qaiser said the PPP, which once stood with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and later with Benazir Bhutto, is now attempting to ‘bury democracy,’” he said.

Qaiser questioned the moral authority of politicians who campaigned for respect for the vote but are silent now, adding that TTAP had sent recommendations to Imran Khan and would issue a press release if talks take place.

He pledged the movement would take the matter to the people and stage “strong protests” inside parliament to defend the constitution.

Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, another senior TTAP figure, framed the amendment as part of a broader “system of oppression” that, he argued, has eroded constitutional guarantees for citizens.

Khokhar said the public first learned of the amendment from Bilawal’s tweet and accused the government of seeking to reshape judicial and electoral institutions to its advantage.

Khokhar voiced particular concern about reforms he said would affect the judiciary, including transfers and postings of judges he likened to routine bureaucratic reshuffles, and warned that such changes would deter judges from delivering independent decisions.

He accused policymakers of reviving colonial-era laws and warned of proposals reportedly targeting Article 243 (the provision governing appointment of the military chief), saying any alteration would fundamentally change the country’s structure and civilian-military balance.

He also criticised plans discussed for the appointment process of the Election Commission and the weakening of tribunals, calling the current commission a “joke” and warning that new amendments could hollow out provincial powers and centralise authority.

Khokhar said it would mobilise media, civil society and other organisations to block what it described as an “illegitimate parliament” from passing the amendment.

Khokhar stated the coming weeks were crucial and that the group expected to present a consolidated plan, possibly after consultation with PTI founder Imran Khan, either later today or tomorrow.