A high-level delegation of Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), led by National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, was stopped by police on Monday from travelling to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after announcing plans to join an ongoing sit-in in Rawalakot, the alliance's spokesperson confirmed.
Delegation Composition and Planned Visit
Earlier in the day, TTAP announced that its delegation would travel to Rawalakot to express solidarity with the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee's (JAAC) sit-in. The alliance stated its support for what it described as public demands aligned with democratic freedoms, constitutional supremacy, and public rights. The delegation included Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, TTAP spokesperson Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai, and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, counsel for PTI founder Imran Khan.
Police Intervention at Kahuta
According to the spokesperson, the delegation intended to meet the JAAC leadership and address participants at the sit-in, reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution, democracy, and the protection of public rights. However, in a subsequent statement, TTAP reported that police stopped the delegation at Kahuta before it could enter AJK. The party's spokesperson said members of the delegation asked police under what legal authority they were being prevented from proceeding. According to the spokesperson, police officers replied that they had been instructed by their senior officers not to allow the delegation to continue.
Implications and Reactions
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political groups and authorities regarding access to AJK. TTAP has vowed to challenge the police action, citing constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and movement. No official comment from the police or government has been issued at the time of reporting.
